From small beginnings, Culdrose Military Wives Choir is now celebrating five years of performing all around the county.

The Helston-based choir, which is linked to town's naval base and operates out of Culdrose Community Centre, formed on May 18, 2012 after being inspired by the TV series The Choir in which Gareth Malone led a group of women from military bases in Devon to a number one single, Wherever You Are.

Five years on, the membership has doubled and the choir has performed at some of Cornwall’s most prestigious events and venues, including community festivals and formal concerts to sell-out audiences at the Hall for Cornwall.

Culdrose is Cornwall’s only military wives choir and one of the longest standing in the international network that now comprises over 70 choirs, in the UK and at bases abroad.

Culdrose has recorded on two of the three Military Wives Choirs albums: Stronger Together in 2012 - the follow up to In My Dreams that featured only five choirs - and again last year, when 65 choirs joined together to record Home for Christmas.

Anna Oliver, PR officer for Culdrose Military Wives Choir, said: "Five years have passed so quickly, in a flurry of fun and laughter.

"There are a small number of us that have been singing from the beginning, and meanwhile we've seen so many wonderful women come and go with their families as postings change, yet we hope they take with them cherished memories."

With summer traditionally the time for different postings, Anna said this year the choir would be waving farewell to a good number of valued members.

"These ladies will always be a part of our choir family, and we hope they go on to join another Military Wives Choir at their next base," she added.

The result is that the choir needs new singers in every section. Membership is open to serving females and wives, partners, girlfriends and immediate family of serving and retired personnel.

"When we celebrate this milestone, we also recognise the hours of work dedicated by the many committee and musical volunteers over the years. The choir wouldn't be such a success without the work of those individuals, and we thank them all," said Anna.

For the last year the choir has been under the direction of Peter Luing and recent additions to the repertoire include 'The Climb' by Miley Cyrus and 'Joyful Joyful' from Sister Act. Members are about to start work on further modern pieces to be revealed later this summer.

Culdrose Military Wives Choir's next performance will be at St Columb Church this Friday and they will also be returning to the International Sea Shanty Festival in Falmouth on Saturday, June 17.