THEY only had three rehearsals – but they sounded like they had been singing together for years.

In less than two months a Southampton pop-up choir set up to raise cash for people in the Philippines turned in a performance of a lifetime.

The 40-strong choir held a fundraising concert at St Mark’s Church in Archers Road before a 60-strong audience who turned out to support them and enjoy mulled wine and mince pies.

Some of the singers had never joined a choir before, while others with more experience just wanted to do whatever they could to help.

Kicking off proceedings were Martin Bridle and his wife Su Eaton, who got the audience singing along to some Christmas folk songs.

Conductor and organiser Fiona Funnell, said: “It feels absolutely wonderful to see it come together and it is quite outstanding that we have pulled it off. It is a testament to them doing so much private practice.”