AN a cappella choir from Warrington have become national champions for the eighth time as they celebrate their 25th anniversary.

Cheshire Chord Company were rewarded with a gold medal after competing in the annual National Barbershop Competition at Harrogate International Convention Centre. Under the direction of Joanne Braham, the group impressed the judges on the Ladies’ Association of British Barbershop Singers stage.

Julie Phillips, spokesman for Cheshire Chord Company, said: “Our time on stage this year was extremely exhilarating and the audience response was amazing, something we’ll remember for a long time. Every one of our members put their heart and soul into the performance. This will be the eighth time we have earned gold at national level.”

Cheshire Chord Company formed in 1993 when 12 women with a love of close harmony singing came together in the backroom of the Jolly Thresher pub in Lymm.

In the 25 years that have followed the choir has grown to more than 60 members and continue to compete at the highest level at UK and European barbershop competitions.

Julie added: “We specialise in exciting, high energy performances, singing a wide variety of songs and styles from ballads to jazz and pop to barbershop. And we have an exciting championship year ahead of us, with a number of different events lined up.

“On December 13 we have our silver anniversary Christmas concert, Silver Belles, at St. Elphin’s Church with special guests. We will be singing some of our own repertoire along with some Christmas classics.

“Then in March we will be representing British women’s barbershop at Holland Harmony, something we’re all really excited about.

“We pride ourselves in the quality of our singing and work hard to achieve very high standards while having a great deal of fun along the way.

“We are proud to have been the National Ladies UK Champions eight times, and in the most recent competition we were delighted to be named the national Ladies’ Association of British Barbershop Singers first place chorus.”

To buy tickets for Cheshire Chord Company’s silver anniversary Christmas concert, Silver Belles, visit cheshirechord.co.uk