MEMBERS of Callington Community Gospel Choir were singing for joy this week when they heard they had won an Awards for All lottery grant of £7,500.

The choir (pictured above), which was formed by Steve Dawe in November 2005, has become one of the largest gospel choirs in the UK. Last year it was invited to train with the London Community Gospel Choir, one of the most prestigious gospel choirs in the world.

The total cost of the trip, which takes place this May and accommodation for the choir, was around £10,500.

The choir has been raising its own funds towards training costs and put in an application to Awards for All for £7,500 — to their delight, they were awarded the £7,500 they requested.

Choir secretary Dawn McIntyre said: 'It was like winning the Lottery without a ticket!'

Choir members were ecstatic with the news, and look forward to their trip in May.