SINGING lorry driver Glenn Baker has celebrated 25 years as a founding member of Minehead Male Voice Choir.

Mr Baker was aged 29 when he became one of the choir’s first members in March, 2000.

Last weekend, as the choir’s sole remaining founder-member, he sang a duet in its milestone 25th anniversary concert in the Avenue Methodist Church, Minehead.

His a passion has brought him great rewards, not least a new family.

Mr Baker, a HGV driver for CJ Lynch and Sons, met his partner Monika Balogh during rehearsals when she became an accompanist and the couple now have a three-year-old son Gabriel.

He also occasionally performs as a soloist for the 43-strong group.

Mr Baker, of Alcombe, said: “It is a true band of brothers, and I have gained so much over the years.

“As a boy, I remember watching a video with my dad of a thousand male voices singing at Truro Cathedral, and I wore that video out.

“It was the sound they made that did it for me.

“Even aged 21, I knew it was something I wanted to do, so when the choir started in Minehead I was at the first meeting.

“Since then, I have sung at Truro Cathedral myself with the choir, and I really enjoy singing the harmonies, and sharing the camaraderie.

“They treat me like the boy of the group, and I tend to look out for them.

“Monika became accompanist in 2015 and we became a couple, and Gabriel was born in 2022.

“So we occasionally bring him along to rehearsals and concerts.”

About 250 people attended the anniversary, which was joined by South Wales choir Côr Meibion Cwm Rhonnda.

The choir, whose oldest singer George Gardner celebrated his 90th birthday at the anniversary concert, holds Monday evening rehearsals in Alcombe Methodist Church.