THE "Stars and Stripes" came to Bromsgrove on American Independence Day - in a joint concert by The Redditch Orchestra and two a cappella choruses.

The show, at the Artrix Theatre, was hosted by the 50-strong orchestra, who played well known pieces such as the Stars and Stripes and Liberty Bell by Sousa, dances from Rodeo by Aaron Copland and a medley from Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma, all under the baton of guest conductor Alex Webb.

They also delighted the audience with Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue with guest pianist Guy Shepherd.

Singing came from Vale Connection, the a cappella ladies' chorus from Evesham, and Vale Harmony, the men's chorus from Pershore , who demonstrated the American tradition of Barbershop singing.

The choruses and orchestra all combined in a grand finale of America from West Side Story Compered by former presenter of BBC Midlands Today, Sue Beardsmore, the show's proceeds went to the charity Parkinson's UK.

The concert is being repeated, with a slight change of programme, at the Evesham Arts Centre on July 18, hosted by Vale Harmony and Vale Connection.

Tickets are £10 each from the Arts Centre box Office or online at eveshamartscentre.com Proceeds there will go to St Richard's Hospice, Leukaemia Care and the Evesham Abbey Bell Tower Appeal.

For more information, see valeharmony.co.uk