A CHOIR made up of staff, foster carers and looked after from Bromsgrove is taking part in a nationwide singing competition.

The Choir which is called ‘Midland Beat’ is taking part in the Foster Care Associates’ (FCA’s) Big Sing Off which will see the singers competing against choirs from across the FCA’s 50 operations in the UK.

They will have to impress a panel of judges which includes former England football captain and foster carer Mark Wright, as well as Welsh soprano singer and actress Claire Delaney.

Greg Hartigan, choir master of Midland Beat and a general manager at FCA’s Bromsgrove headquarters, said: “Everyone is extremely excited about testing their singing and performance skills against choirs from across the UK and we are all looking forward to what should be a terrific event and a wonderful celebration of the great things we do at FCA.

“Rehearsals have been going well and are slowly building as we get closer to the big day. But the most important thing is that it has been a really positive experience for the young people, carers and us as staff and that we have a great spirit within the choir.

“Whether we win or lose the choir has been a pleasure to be a part of.”

FCA registered manager for the Midlands region, Mark Costello, added: “For everyone who took part in the Big Sing Off event last year I know it was a tremendously positive experience and one that has whet the appetite to try and wow the judges even more at this year’s event.

“Everyone is in the mood to celebrate our 20th anniversary with a bang on what should be a really fun occasion and a wish our choir the best of luck for the day.”

The Big Sing Off 2014 is taking place in Cheltenham in March with 11 choirs from across the UK battling to be named the best singers in FCA.

The FCA is also currently facing a shortfall of 8,600 carers across the UK, 925 of whom are needed in the West Midlands. Anyone who is interested in fostering and believes they have the patience, commitment and enthusiasm necessary, should contact the FCA on 0800 0234561 or visit thefca.co.uk.