A MALE barbershop voice choir sang its way to success after members were named among the top singers in the world at a competition in Las Vegas.

The 65 members of The Cottontown Chorus, who rehearse at Turton High School, flew to America to compete in the competition.

The chorus knew that the competition would be tough but aimed to secure an A grade, which is awarded to groups which score 80 per cent or higher.

The Cottontown Chorus scored an impressive 83 per cent.

More than 1,000 choruses from across the world sang in the James Bond-themed competition at Las Vegas’ 16,800 seater MGM Grand.

Joe Cunningham, a member of the chorus, aged 79, said: “The standard in America is so high and the choruses are so large — some with 150 plus members — that, being realistic, we knew we wouldn't win, so our aim was to get as high a score as possible and hopefully achieve an A chorus placing.

"We were delighted with the score to now be placed in the top 10 per cent of barbershop choruses in the entire world, which is not half bad for little old Bolton.

"We have come away feeling quite proud of what we have achieved.”

The chorus sang Bond film songs From Russia with Love and Goldfinger. Members also sang in a fun event, the World Jamboree, in which they did a rock set including Meatloaf song Bat Out of Hell — and got a standing ovation.

Members range in age from 25 to 79. The majority of the chorus travelled with family to the USA and stayed for about seven days.

The Cottontown Chorus are the 2013 UK Champions.

Mr Cunningham said: “There is a great sense of camaraderie within the chorus and also a great sense of dedication.

“We have members who travel weekly from Wales, Yorkshire and Cumbria and more locally, from areas of Manchester and Cheshire, many of who have left their own choruses, just to be part of a British champions chorus, which is dedication.”

The American competition was the latest in a series of visits to the States, including Boston, Indianapolis, Chicago, Philadelphia as well as a trip to Germany.

The chorus is looking to recruit new members. It meets each Tuesday at Turton High School, in Bromley Cross Road, at 8pm.

People aged 18 to 30 are invited to go along but all age groups are welcome.