A trip to the US has sparked the launch of a new choir.
Emma Durrant, who alongside her friend Sarah helped to establish Country Choir, was inspired during a visit to Nashville and returned home determined to "bring a part of that back home."
The choir now has groups across Essex, including Colchester, Marks Tey, Maldon, Leigh-on-Sea, and Ms Durrant’s home village of Tollesbury.
Ms Durrant said: "It's been in the pipeline for a while but a recent trip to Nashville made me determined to bring a part of that back home.
"We haven’t found anything else like it anywhere; that's exciting.
"It’s Nashville energy with an Essex postcode.
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"We want people to walk into Country Choir and feel as though they have found their people."
The group launched on Tuesday night, and gathered to share their passion for country music.
Ms Durrant said: "We’re serious about making a great sound, but there’s absolutely room for getting it wrong and trying again.
"That’s how we get there together.
"Expect a warm welcome, a proper sing and plenty of laughter.
"There are no auditions and no sheet music to decipher.
"We teach everything by ear, bit by bit, building the song together.
"Our job is to help you feel comfortable enough to have a go, then show you what you’re capable of."
She believes the rise of country music is partly due to high-profile collaborations.
Ms Durrant said: "Beyonce, Post Malone and Shaboozy have smashed traditional boundaries and have brought massive new audiences.
"Country club nights and festivals have sprung up everywhere."
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