SEA shanties and whale songs may be on the programme for members of a new community choir in Milford Haven.

The Nantucket Wailers choir will be having its first rehearsal on Wednesday, January 14, and anyone with a passion for singing is invited to take part.

The choir is the idea of Deputy Mayor Cllr Stephen Joseph.

"On Remembrance Sunday this year I was standing at the Cenotaph thinking how good Milford people are at supporting town events," said Cllr Joseph.

"The community spirit is so strong and I am so proud of the town at times like that.

"But when the hymns started the singing was abysmal!

"As I'm Mayor this coming year, I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to establish a community choir for the town."

The choir is open to anyone in the community - children, teenagers, adults, and grandparents, and people living outside Milford Haven are also welcome to join.

Leading the choir will be respected local musician and songwriter Jon Brewer.

The name is a play on Milford Haven's earliest settlers, whales from America.

"Hopefully the 'wailing' bit reflects we don't have to take ourselves too seriously but it's all about community spirit," said Cllr Joseph.

Regarding ability, people need to have a heart for the town. You don't have to be an amazing singer, it's more about community spirit and having a go.

Rehearsals start at 6pm at the Church Hall in Nantucket Avenue, children under 16 must be accompanied.