BIRDS and beasts provided ample choral competition when Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir made a return visit to Millin Chapel, The Rhos, on April 7.

Joining the spring evening birdsong were young cattle in a field by the chapel - all in loud harmony.

Inside the chapel - which has over 150 years of history - the choir was in equally harmonious accord, with a varied programme compiled by conductor Christine Lloyd which was very well received by an appreciative audience.

Some of the pieces were songs which the choir, along with hundreds of other choristers, will perform at the Royal Albert Hall in May 2018.

The choir and audience were welcomed by the Minister, the Rev Jonathan Kirk, and thanks were extended to Sue and Colin Evans for arranging the choir’s second visit in two years.

Previously Pembroke and District Male Voice, in over 60 years of history, had never performed in the lovely setting at Millin Chapel.

Adding enjoyment to the evening were the soloists. Alyson Griffiths chose two pieces – Somewhere Out There and Panis Angelicus - on flute and then joined accompanist Jenny Griffiths in a lovely duet, Because He Lives.

First bass Ron Rees always surprises with his choice of solo - this time winning rich applause for his ‘There Is A Green Hill Far Away’ sung to the tune of 1960s rock classic ‘The House Of The Rising Sun’, made famous by The Animals group.

Among the audience were two choristers with decades of service to choirs in Pembrokeshire - Ifor Swales of Haverfordwest Male Voice and Duncan Hilling of Tenby Male Voice. At the invitation of compere Phil Lloyd they joined the ranks for the final item, a stirring rendering of the Welsh hymn favourite, Rachie.

Following the concert the ladies and friends of the chapel provided excellent refreshments at Rhos Community Hall.