BARBERSHOP singers have come home with a gold medal after competing against groups from all over the world.

Golborne’s Milltown Sound Chorus scooped the top award in the small group category of the Sweet Adelines International in Nottingham.

The 26 singers performed the ballad How Deep Is the Ocean and Those Eyes in front of more than 1,000 people and a judging panel from America.

Member Pauline Parr, from Cinnamon Brow, said: “The reception was absolutely fantastic.

“We had a massive round of applause and some people in the audience were crying after we did the ballad.

“That was our aim really – to get through to people. We just love singing and performing.

“It’s a brilliant bunch of girls, we’re more like a family.”

It is certainly a family affair for Pauline, who joined Milltown Sound Chorus six months ago.

Three generations of Pauline’s family are members of the group, as the 62-year-old sings with her granddaughter Emily and daughter-in-law Cathy. Pauline used to be a professional singer when she was just 15, but she gave it up to have a family.

Pauline added: “It has been 40 years and I’ve started singing again.

It’s really made a difference to my life.

Sweet Adelines International is one of the largest singing organisations, with a worldwide membership of around 24,000 women.

  • Milltown Sound Chorus was formed around five years ago with members ranging from 16 to 73 years of age. The group rehearses every Wednesday at Parkside Sports and Community Club in Golborne. You can drop in between 8pm and 10.30pm, or visit milltownsound.co.uk for details.