A Pembrokeshire community choir whose members were told by their school music teachers that they couldn't sing proved them wrong by delivering a winning performance at the St David's Hall, Cardiff.

One Voice, formed two-and-a-half-years ago by Molara Awen, competed in the BBC Radio 3 'Choir of the Year' competition - winning the open choir category.

The choir will now be judged against five others and, if successful, will go through to the next round of the competition in Liverpool in November.

Molara, who lives on the edge of the Preseli Hills, was delighted with the choir's performance. "After we sang the judges told us that we were mesmerising,'' she said.

During the competition one of the judges had joked that she would award marks for the choir with the best hair and shoes. "The members of the other choirs were dressed in dark suits and smart dresses and then we walked onto the stage in gold and turquoise outfits. She told us we had gold wedges to die for,'' Molara recalled.

The choir is alternative to the mainstream and its repertoire is diverse; many of the songs performed are Finish and sung in Lap Language, including one performed at St David's Hall - Paivan Nousu Nostjani.

Molara described One Voice was a community choir in the true sense of the word. "We are open to anyone and are proof that everyone can sing,'' she said. "Ninety per cent of our members were told at school that they couldn't sing and now we are winning rounds in a prestigious singing competition.''