YOUNG singers got the chance to shine at a gala concert of the Hart Male Voice Choir.

The gig at Aldershot’s Princes Hall topped off a competition especially for young singers. Each of the four winners had the opportunity to take centre stage, and dazzle the audience with a solo in front of a full house.

Celebrity gardener Alan Titchmarsh hosted an evening filled with music and song, with a programme that ran the gamut from classical to modern.

After quipping with some entertaining musical and gardening anecdotes, Mr Titchmarsh handed out the prizes. He is president of the choir and voiced his admiration of its support for young singers in Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire.

The awards included a framed winner’s certificate and a cash prize to pay for singing tuition.

In addition to the Hart singers, the audience also heard guest choirs from Eagle House and Edgbarrow local schools.

Mr Titchmarsh commented on the variety of repertoire and powerful performances of both choirs, as well as the impressive quality and maturity of the young soloists.

Special mention was made to musical director Margaret Brackenborough and pianist Judith Morgan for her marvellous accompaniment.

During the finale of the concert Mr Titchmarsh demonstrated his enthusiasm by joining the male voice choir for an exuberant rendition of the South Pacific song There Ain’t Nothing Like a Dame.

Audience members commented how it was "a great concert and a marvellous atmosphere" and on how the Hart Male Voice Choir "just gets better and better".