The founder of a community choir which has spread across the Home Counties and united hundreds of people through music spoke movingly to CRHnews after winning a Pride of Essex Award on November 21, 2017.

Modest Gemma Francis did not mention the award to CRHnews after it was presented, but instead sent a message to those who felt down and out that they would benefit from singing and gave an open invitation to join The Big Sing, even if they were tone deaf!

Gemma started The Big Sing in Witham in 2011 and it has since grown to encompass 30 groups and more than 800 members.

In April this year the group even set up its own charity, The Big Sing Soul, which is bringing music to children and disadvantaged members of society.

Mrs Francis, 35, said wasn’t even aware she had been nominated until receiving the Top Community Team Award at Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, Essex.

She said: “I feel really honoured. Sitting there and hearing people’s stories and the things they had been through on the night made me feel humbled.”

The mum of two and husband Howard started The Big Sing as a six week project in their hometown with the aim of finding hidden talent among the Witham public.

But the 45 strong choir, who’s first performance was at Witham Carnival, became so popular the couple knew they had to keep it going.

Mrs Francis, who performed with legendary musicians like Amy Winehouse and James Brown during her time in the London Community Gospel Choir, said: “We realised we had created something amazing and were really helping people get through troubles in their life.”