The Off-Key Choir in Southport who proudly admit they cannot sing

For Debbie Laker Rothwell, the choir has also been a much-needed support group.

“My health is not so good and I’ve lost a few of my cat lives this year and the choir’s really been there for me,” she said.

“It’s just so much fun. So what, we can’t sing, we can’t dance, but nobody cares.

“You know when they say sing and dance as if no one’s watching? That’s exactly what we do.”

Diane and her husband Byron put the choir on every week for free at West Lancashire Yacht Club, only taking subs to cover the cost of a hall hire and a tub of sweets.

“Why should not being able to do something stand in your way, whatever it is,” she said.

“I can’t bake and I can’t dance and I can’t sing, but I do it anyway.

“Why should we be denied the endorphin rush that comes with singing together, just because we can’t?

“It’s joyous, and you never know what adventures and what opportunities might come along if you do.”