TALENTED Colchester singers made the most of an "amazing opportunity" when they impressed celebrity judges on a television talent show.

Vocalists from the Colchester branch of The Big Sing choir appeared on the renowned Britain's Got Talent on Saturday evening.

Joined by singers from other Big Sing choirs in the likes of Kent and Rugby the harmonising ensemble performed Brighter Days by Emeli Sande.

Wowed by their performance, Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli gave the choir four 'yes' votes, sending them through to the next round. 

Lucy Laidlaw, 35, who works as a specialist nurse colposcopist at Colchester Hospital, serves as a singing tutor for the Colchester branch of The Big Sing choir. 

Gazette:

The choir has 25 regular members but only 11 Colchester singers took part in the audition, including Lucy's 6-year-old daughter Blossom.

She said: “We were all so excited for this amazing opportunity.

“It’s amazing for the littles ones.”

The Big Sing auditioned for Britain's Got Talent back in January and Lucy now hopes their appearance on the show will inspire people to join a choir.

According to Lucy, the choir, which features a diverse range of singers, has helped many members through tough times in their lives, including battles with cancer. 

She added: “We want to encourage as many people to enjoy the pleasure of music and singing.

“It’s inclusive of age, races, beliefs and gender.”

The Big Sing was founded in 2011 by Gemma and Howard Francis, who were on stage for the audition.

The married couple remain in charge of The Big Sing and choose songs for all the choirs to learn together.

While the choirs do combine for mass performances, they also perform individually.

According to Lucy, each of the choirs have between 20-70 members depending on when they were established.

Gemma, director of The Big Sing said: "When we had this opportunity to sing on one of the UK’s largest shows we just had to take it.

"Our choir is all about ordinary people achieving amazing things together." 

Aside from the choir, The Big Sing also has a charity called The Big Sing Soul, which is intended for people who may not otherwise able to access a choir.

To find out more visit big-sing.com.