THE man behind the successful Callington Gospel Choir was recognised by the community at a surprise thank-you event.

Steve Dawe was presented with wine, along with a bouquet for his wife, Helen, and chocolates for his children, Grace and Josh.

The surprise was arranged by choir member Hazel Jones who said: 'Steve started the choir eight years ago.

'He advertised for anyone for a singsong — and 12 of us answered. Now there are roughly 50 members, and we've sung at a wedding, funerals and in prisons.'

The gifts were supplied by Tesco's Alan Woollcombe as Steve was chosen as 'a community champion'.

Mr Woollcombe said: 'Everybody locally knows the choir. It has been very much a local success story, driven by Steve.'

A delighted Mr Dawe said: 'We have performed over 300 times. We have raised just over £53,000 for charities. We have had many high moments and low ones together.

'Being such a close knit group of adults, we have built a very supportive community. Our trips away have taken us all over the UK as well as further afield in France and Germany.

'This weekend sees another first for us, as we learn our first song, specially commissioned for the choir. It has been written by Howard Francis who has written and recorded for many of the world's top artists. Our new song is called "We Are One" and it really sums up choir life.'

Hazel added: 'The choir wouldn't exist without Steve, and he couldn't have done it without the support of Helen and his family. The choir really is a family thing.'

Picture by Paul Hamlyn