A LADIES' choir has demanded an apology from TV bosses after being linked with racist views in a controversial documentary about asylum centre protests.

Leaders of the Solent Ladies Barbershop Chorus have written to Channel 4 to complain about its Despatches programme, which followed campaigners against a proposed centre for asylum seekers at HMS Daedalus.

They are upset that the choir's Christmas concert was shown as they had not given the TV company permission and the charity event had nothing to do with the protest.

Members are particularly unhappy that their rendition of White Christmas was played as the caption "Keep Them Out" was on screen.

The documentary, which was screened ten days ago, has been slammed by members of the Daedalus Action Group (DAG) for being biased.

They claim the programme - entitled Keep Them Out - unfairly labelled protesters as NIMBYs and racists and did not take into account that the plan was thrown out because local services would not have been able to cope with 400 male asylum seekers in the village.

Now Lindsey Sandilands, associate director of the ladies' choir, is seeking a full and unreserved apology from Channel 4.

She wrote: "We wish to dissociate ourselves and our opinions completely and unreservedly from the opinions expressed. We had been asked to perform at the Daedalus Action Group's fundraising fete during last summer, but we declined on the specific grounds that

we do not accept bookings with a political agenda.

"We feel that we were portrayed in a most unpleasant fashion. We fear our reputation in our community has been damaged, which we certainly do not deserve, and we are seeking a full and unreserved apology."

Channel 4 have agreed to make an on-air apology following an investigation into the complaint.

A spokesman said: "We did not intend to link Solent Ladies Barbershop Chorus with the Daedalus Action Group and we are happy to clarify the position with a statement on air."