NHS heroes in Bolton have discovered the joy of song after taking part in a workplace choir project.

The reality of Covid-19 has affected a huge number of people over the last year, with the majority now more isolated because of the pandemic.

NHS staff in Bolton have found hope and a welcome morale boost through music after taking part in the prestigious Hallé Workplace Choir programme.

Admiral nurse and choir member Kerry Lyons said: “Singing just lifts you up. It has become a highlight in our week. We look forward to it and feel better after it.”

The Hallé’s annual choir competition - which has ran across the North of England for the past 10 years - was cancelled this year due to lockdown restrictions.

Instead workplace choirs came together to record a newly-commissioned piece by Manchester musician Ollie Lambert, ‘Hope’ with conductor Michelle Robinson.

Kerry added: “Sometimes we come into our sessions on a low ebb feeling emotional or stressed, but you never feel like that afterwards. Everyone comes together to have fun, and not take it too seriously.”

The Hallé workplace choir uses the power of music to build trust, improves communication skills and boost staff morale in the workplace.

The group runs choirs all year around in businesses across the North of England and the choral team are supporting businesses through Covid-19 restrictions.

As well as providing a source of pleasure, music has also been proven to have great psychological benefits to emotional and physical wellbeing.

Studies have shown that music therapy has been found to reduce stress, as well as improve memory.

One of the Hallé board members Aileen Wiswell added: “It is a passionate and powerful medium that can lift your spirits, engage your mind reduce stress and improve your memory. The need for the arts to bring joy, relief and hope, as well as a sense of community, has never been so great.”

The full performance can be found on Youtube.