A group of choirs with branches across Kent feature in this year's Marks and Spencer Christmas advert.

UK Soul Choirs is a community choir group and has branches in Rochester, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells.

The group was founded in 2010 by vocalist Abi Gilchrist with just four people attending the first session. Now there are more than 400 members across the county.

Abi is the director and conductor of the choirs which have performed at venues such as the Queen Elizabeth Hall and The Royal Festival Hall in London.

The production team put out an advert looking for a community choir, and UK Soul Choirs were given the chance to appear in the ad.

This year's M&S advert was directed by filmmaker Michael Gracey, who was in charge of smash-hit blockbuster movie The Greatest Showman.

The advert sees different families being drawn into a quiet cul-de-sac which is taken over by lots of different community groups.

Among these, is UK Soul Choirs, who are first seen singing through a window, and also features Valley Invicta Primary School Majorettes from Maidstone.

The cul-de-sac was turned into a "winter wonderland" with giant mirror balls and fairy lights along with artificial snow, despite the early September filming.

The filming took place over two days with over 160 people taking part in total.

Abi said: "I think it's another great opportunity for us. We do get some really amazing opportunities.

"It does give people, who perhaps otherwise wouldn't be able to experience these things in life, a nice potential opportunity by joining the choir."

This year's advert is created in partnership with giving platform Neighbourly to help share £1 million between 1,000 community groups.

Neighbourly chief executive Steve Butterworth said: "M&S's Christmas campaign is a brilliant celebration of kindness and a timely reminder of the importance of community at a time when support at a local level is needed more than ever."

UK Soul Choirs offers a free trial for anyone wanting to join one of their branches. No singing experience is required and more information can be found on their website.