Bridport’s newest choir has been greeted with a chorus of approval.

Some 60 people turned up to its first practice session.

“It’s brilliant to see so many here,” said Matt Kingston, musical director of the Bridport University of the Third Age (U3A) choir.

The turnout at Bridport Rugby Club was almost double that expected by the organisers.

The session started with everyone singing Happy Birthday because, as Matt explained, it is the one song that everyone knows.

The rookie choristers then ran through some scales and exercises and finished with a three-part harmony of Swing Low Sweet Chariot which was considered appropriate given the venue.

A number of people turned up who were not members of the U3A but had read about the choir in the local newspapers.

“I love singing and used to be in a choir when I was in my teens,” said Beryl Taylor of Burton Bradstock.

“I really enjoyed it and I shall be coming again.”

Christine Cakebread, of Melplash, who is a member of the Bridport Choral Society, said: “I thought I’d try singing something a little more informal.”

People said what they liked about the new choir was that it was fun.

There were no auditions and previous singing or music-reading experience were not required.

Show tunes, pop and jazz will feature in the songs to be tackled by the choir.

“I was heartened that so many people came along and were willing to have a go,” added Matt Kingston, who is also musical director of the Bridport New Elizabethan Singers.

Jenny Malyon, U3A chairman, paid tribute to the hard work put in by the organisers, Carol Dixon, Pat Grafton and Pauline Ramsden, for making the first meeting of the choir such a success.

“It was amazing,” she said. “There was a lovely atmosphere and Matt was great.”

The next practice session takes place on October 3.

The choir will then meet every two weeks. Sessions start at 10.30am and finish at noon. To find out more contact carol.dixon@btinternet.com