RYEDALE choir Harmonia have been awarded £500 by Malton CIC.

The 50-strong, all female choir, based in Malton, will use the funds to buy a keyboard, amplifier and accessories needed to enabled the group to become mobile.

Harmonia’s Musical Director, Alison Davis, said the choir was frequently asked to perform outdoors, in village halls and other community spaces, but this proved problematic when there were 50 voices to coordinate.

“I am extremely grateful to Malton CIC for their support. The choir is going from strength to strength and we are increasingly invited to perform outdoors and in more non-traditional settings,“ she added.

“These are great opportunities for us but we have had to turn people down because we haven’t had the right equipment.”

Alison said: “Almost all of our concerts are in aid of local charities, and our own keyboard will enable us to work with even more partners and hopefully raise more money.”

Malton CIC was formed in 2011 to benefit the community in Malton, Norton and the surrounding area. Its official name is the Malton Amenity CIC.

As well as organising the highly successful Malton Food Lovers Festival, Malton CIC coordinates the more regular indoor Malton Monthly Food Markets in the Milton Rooms, and provides free parking in Malton Town Centre.

Emma Brooksbank, on behalf of Malton CIC, said: Malton CIC is delighted to be able to help Harmonia buy equipment so they can perform in places where there is no piano. I’m particularly hoping this will enable them to come and sing at a food lovers market or the annual food lovers festival.”

Malton CIC is actively seeking partner organisations and individuals to help with fundraising and sponsorship to deliver community projects.

For more information visit http://maltonyorkshire.co.uk/malton-amenity-cic/

Harmonia has two forthcoming concerts at St. Michael's Church, Malton on Saturday, March 1 and at the Kirk Theatre, Pickering, on Saturday, March 15. Further details can be found on the choir’s website harmoniachoir.co.uk