Karen Elliott, who is well known on the island for her solo performances, is forming a community choir for women’s voices.

The former musical director of the Isle of Man Women’s Institute Choir said: ’My six and a half years building up and leading the WI choir have been amazing.

’We’ve had a ball and the support I’ve had from island residents and individual WI members has been overwhelming but now is the right time to move on and become an independent choir.

’I am so looking forward to developing the choir further and having the freedom to take a more active role in the community.’

Her new choir, called Women in Song (Mraane ayns Arrane), already has 35 members and is looking for more.

Membership is open to all women, no auditions necessary.

Members say that a ll that is needed is a love of music and a desire to sing and have fun in a very friendly environment.

Weekly rehearsals will commence on Tuesday, October 2, at 7 pm in The Guild Room, Atholl Street, Peel, and the repertoire will be both entertaining and varied, organisers promise.

Any woman interested in joining the choir - or who just wants to see what is involved - is welcome to attend a rehearsal.