SINGING sensations are showing the community just how fun raising the roof can be.

BIG Sing Community Choirs are made up of people who want to sing for their own enjoyment.

The BIG Sing offers them the chance to be directed and taught by expert tutors, and gives them unique performance opportunities, such as performing for Jamie Oliver.

The group, which has a choir in Maldon, has created a charity called the BIG Sing SOUL, bringing uplifting music to vulnerable people unable to leave the house.

Since starting the charity members have raised more than £80,000 which has enabled them to provide grants to more than 170 projects.

Tutor Edie Farrell said: “I knew from personal experience how music can lift spirits but I don’t think I ever fully realised quite how much of an impact being part of a choir and singing uplifting music could have on someone’s confidence.

“One little girl I had in a primary school workshop hardly spoke during the workshops but one week, put her hand up to do a solo, singing words like ‘I’m strong and I’m brave. I am free to be me’.”

The BIG Sing choirs have performed alongside big names including Ellie Goulding, London Community Gospel Choir and Leona Lewis.

Charity manager Sandra Woodward said: “Our choir members are the driving force behind the charity, giving up their time, using their artistic skills, and going the extra mile to look at new ways of raising funds to enable us to take pour positive music to vulnerable groups in the community.”

The group is calling for new members to take part in various events.

A fundraising event, SOUL 4 SOUL, is taking place on Friday, November 29 in Rayleigh.

It includes a three-course meal and entertainment.

Tickets are £50, to book contact info@big-sing.com.

The group’s Christmas tour starts next month and they will be visiting schools in Maldon on December 15.

For more information email info@big-sing.com.

Organisations that could benefit from The BIG Sing SOUL’s free tutoring can contact sandra@bigsingsoul.org.uk.

The Maldon rehearsals take place at the Plume Academy in Fambridge Road on a Monday, from 7pm until 9pm.