The founder of a Mansfield Choir is in the final four for a community accolade.

Claire Eames has made it to the last stages of the BBC Radio Nottingham Make a Difference awards.

She launched Mansfield Community Choir in January 2019 to give people of all ages and abilities a safe space to enjoy their love of singing.

Rehearsals are held at St Alban’s Church, Forest Town. on Fridays, from 6.30pm to 8.15pm.

The choir performs a wide range of songs nd has ben seen at many events in the Mansfield area.

Claire said: “I started the choir as a new mum. I was feeling quite lonely and wanted an outlet for myself.

“We are a community choir. I set it up to give people a safe space to come and be themselves and enjoy the love of singing.”

Claire, a music tutor, said her nomination came as a surprise.

“I had no idea this was going to happen. I didn’t know I’d been nominated so to be in the final four just means absolutely everything,” she added.

Claire is contesting the BBC Radio Nottingham Make a Difference Community Award.

The awards, which cover eight categories, give the public a chance to say thank you and recognise those who make life better for others. Winners will be announced in September.

The choir said it believes everyone with a voice can sing and it does not hold auditions for people to join.

Claire said: “Music brings people together and bridges generations. We want our rehearsals and events to contribute to this togetherness — we see them as a way to give back to the community and as an expression of the individuality we each bring into the world.”