A HAMPSHIRE barbershop chorus picked up its highest every honour as members fine-tuned their voices in preparation for the most important competition of the year.

Ocean Harmony have scooped top prize in Fareham Music Festival’s barbershop section as its singers exercised their vocal chords for a much bigger stage.

The chorus will be performing at the Barbershop Association National Convention at Bournemouth International Centre at the end of the month, competing against 48 similar choirs from across the country.

Ocean Harmony was awarded a Distinction and the coveted trophy bowl in the Fareham competition, held at the West Hill Park School.

Ocean Harmony meets every Wednesday at Colbury Hall, Ashurst on the edge of the New Forest and have been rehearsing at weekends over recent months to make sure they are on-song for the contest.

Proud chairman, John Yapp said: “Winning was a real boost after all the hard work the singers have been putting in for the forthcoming convention.

“This year we’ll be taking our biggest ever chorus of around 35 men, many of whom will be competing for the first time.”

Anyone wishing to join Ocean Harmony or to come along for an evening should contact Mike Jones at vicechairman@oceanharmony.co.uk.