A Barkingside singing group have performed to crowds in the grand Dorchester Abbey during a trip to Oxfordshire.

The Valentine Singers sang favourites by Mozart, Gershwin and spiritual pieces to audiences at the medieval abbey, which lies outside Oxford, and at St Michael at the Northgate Church in the town, where they helped raise money for a local children’s charity.

The singers were on their annual away weekend last month, and took the opportunity to ­enjoy the sights in the ­historic city and beautiful surrounding countryside.

Some members climbed the Wittenham Clumps, which has views around the Thames Valley.

The Valentine Singers perform regularly in and around Redbridge, and organise events and trips away. New members are welcome to an open rehearsal for their autumn concert of Italian music on Friday September 13 at 7.30pm at Gearies Junior School, Gants Hill Crescent, Gants Hill.

For information on joining the choir, call 01708 751 097 or email info@valentinesingers.org.