Tone deaf? No problem at this choir

As it turns out, rather than stand up and walk out – as the song might suggest – some people actively encourage off-key crooning.

The Fylde Coast Tuneless Choir, for the tone deaf, will meet for the first time at Thornton Methodist Church next month under the watchful eye of choirmaster Marilyn Marshall, 64, and her equally musical husband Steve, 65.

Musically-talentless individuals with a shared love of singing will meet at the church every two weeks to belt out classics such as ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ by Queen and ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ by Bon Jovi.

Marilyn, who has played the cornet for Thornton Cleveleys Brass Band since the age of 12, said: “I started directing proper choirs about four years ago.

“Back in May I went on a conducting course and met Bernie Bracha, who leads the first Tuneless Choir that was set up in Nottingham, and we are bringing the franchise to the Fylde coast.

“It helps people who just want to socialise who can’t sing and can’t join a normal choir.”

The choir will be the 13th of its kind in the country.

Marilyn, who lives in Poulton, said: “It’s like a big karaoke night. They absolutely love it. They meet so many people and some have even said the choir has saved their life because they were so down and now they have got a lot of people to meet.”

Steve said: “Very quickly we found the Methodist Church Hall in Thornton, and it’s just perfect. The acoustics will be really good in there which is important as we want everyone to sing loud and proud.”