The Mayor of Dover, Ronnie Philpott, surprised members of the P&O Ferries Choir during rehearsals when she presented the singers with awards in recognition of their role as ambassadors for Dover.

They were rehearsing at Channel House, on Channel View Road, P&O’s head office.

The mayor congratulated each member of the choir in turn, and thanked them for their positive representation of the town as she handed them each an engraved glass medallion. The choir won the BBC’s The Choir: Sing While You Work television series at the end of last year.

Their performances since then have included appearances at Dover Town Hall with the White Cliffs Symphonic Winds orchestra, and at the Hammersmith Apollo with Susan Boyle. Their forthcoming engagements include the Leeds Castle open-air concert on Saturday, July 12, which is the largest open-air classical concert in the UK.

Hilary Campbell, the choir’s musical director, said: “The mayor’s visit was a complete surprise and very much appreciated by all. It was extremely kind of the town council to make this gesture, and for the mayor to make time to visit us in person to present the awards was very generous indeed.”