BLAENAVON Male Voice Choir will be featured in a film to encourage younger people to join them to secure their future.

Following members of Blaenavon Male Voice Choir have been the crew of Focus Shift Films, who have been filming their activity for the past five weeks with the aim of creating a 60 to 90 minute film.

Producer Daniel Harris explained: “We were meant to be making just a simple music video for the choir, but after we spent time with them, heard about their concerns for their future and shared some stories with them we soon realised that there was a great story to be told.

“We hope that the film helps choirs across Wales and further afield understand social media, what is possible with it when used correctly to engage with audiences and hopefully to encourage younger people to join choirs near them as well as sharing the history and heritage of the Welsh male voice choir with the world.”

Captured on film earlier this month, was the choir’s success in a competition which saw them take the title of Best British Choir.

The choir recently returned from their successful weekend in Cornwall where they competed against choirs from around the world.

Not only were they awarded the Best British Choir for 40 and under voices, but the collective also managed to achieve joint third place in the international category.

Blaenavon opened with the traditional Welsh hymn Rachie and finished with the signature piece of the repertoire at present, African Trilogy. Bringing together three African pieces the choir's grand finale wowed audience and judges alike.

The festival took place from April 29 to May 4 and brought together over 60 choirs at 50 events in 40 different locations across Cornwall - making it the biggest event of its type in Europe.

As well as looking to the choir’s future, and looking at the choir’s current members, the film will also explore the past. One hundred years ago the choir was a key part of life in Wales, as mining communities joined together in song. Blaenavon was once a global hub of industrial activity and its choir thrived. Now a UNESCO world heritage site, Blaenavon is the strongest link to the past. The place the choir once held in Blaenavon’s community is a shining example of the social structure of many towns across Wales.

Choir member, Wayne Rowles, said: "We thought we would try something different to try and encourage younger people to join as we are an ageing group and new members are needed to carry on the choir's future."

To donate towards the project and to help Blaenavon Male Voice Choir complete their film, visit www.gofundme.com/saveourchoirs