OKEHAMPTON'S 'Soul Attitude' have got their first big break supporting a world renowned gospel choir on the first night of their national tour.
On November 16, the 30-strong choir will be performing alongside the London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC) at Cheltenham Town Hall in front of 700 people.
The two gospel choirs formed links earlier this year and thanks to grant funding workshops have taken place both in Okehampton and London.
As a result the singing ability, style and performance of 'Soul Attitude' has been raised to a higher level.
Community youth worker Alan King said the singers, who performed at the National Youth Arts Festival in Ilfracombe, Hatherleigh Festival and Okehampton Arts Festival this year, had come on in leaps and bounds since working with the London choir, who have also worked with Elton John, Eternal and Phil Collins.
'They sound really good now and have learnt some new songs,' he said.
'They will probably be performing five songs at Cheltenham, four on their own and one with the Reverend Basil Mead who is the leading choir director of LCGC.
'In terms of exposure this concert is way above anything the choir has done before. They are very excited but also nervous.'
Support will be given by a coach load of parents and friends attending the event.
A National Lottery Millennium Awards for All grant of £4,500 has been used to fund workshops and instruments in preparation for Cheltenham and some choir members also fundraised themselves.
'To perform with the LCGC in public is something the youngsters had hoped for and after this anything is possible, maybe even a tour of our own,' added Alan.
'We would really like to bring the whole of LCGC to Okehampton to perform in the future.'
Meantime a CD is going to be recorded and 'Soul Attitude' will be appearing locally.
'Soul Attitude' comes under the umbrella of Okehampton's youth arts project 'Fusion' which also includes the NRG dance group.