A SWINDON choir has beaten the Welsh at their own game coming second in a prestigious singing contest.

Swindon Male Voice Choir travelled to the spiritual home of male-voice singing to take part in the annual Eisteddfod at Cardigan in West Wales.

The last time the choir took part in the event four years ago they surpassed all expectations and came home with first place.

This time they were up against eight other choirs and came second in the large choir section and third in the small choir competition.

Two years ago a breakaway group of 18 choristers left Swindon Male Voice Choir to form the Wessex Male Voice Choir. But since then the group has attracted new members and now numbers 62.

Musical director Max Brockman-More said: "They are a fine group of musicians and to turn out performances of such high quality after a period of significant change bodes very well for the future."

The choir impressed judges with their renditions of Nir-vana, Viva L'amour, The Water is Well and When the Saints Go Marching In.

The choir starts practising again in September after a summer break.

For more details about joining call John Richer on 01367 253495 or Gordie Smith on Swindon 822495.