THE Abbey Meads-based Wessex Male Choir have been invited to participate in the prestigious International Musical Eisteddfod at Llangollen in Wales next July.

The male ensemble is one of only 12 choirs from across the world to be invited to what is regarded at the world's foremost choral music competition.

The male choir was only formed two years ago.

Musical director, Robert Elliott, said: "All the choir have worked extremely hard to get to this stage and this is not just an honour for us, but also for the town. We are the first choir from Wiltshire to have ever competed there."

The Wessex Male Choir will now start preparing for the competition and have issued an appeal for would-be Pavarottis to come forward and call 01793 853753 or visit www.wessexmalechoir.co.uk.