SINGER Joan Beardwood is off to America after cutting a dash in the world of barber shop choirs.
The Blackburn grandmother and fellow members of the Liberty Belles, from Stockport, turned on the style to win the UK Sweet Adelines barber shop championship in Derby.
They will take part in the international finals in Atlanta, Georgia, next year.
Credit controller Joan, of Pleckgate Road, has been singing in the traditionally male barber shop style for about eight years.
She was inspired by a cousin in America where barber shop singing is very popular with both sexes.
"The singers are still given 'male' names such as tenor, lead, baritone and bass. I'm a baritone," said Joan.
"Barber shop singing is taking off, although there doesn't seem to be much interest in Blackburn, which is why I joined the group in Stockport. I also sing in a quartet with ladies from Rochdale and Bacup."
Local audiences will get the chance to see Joan when The Liberty Belles give a concert at Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre on June 6. Anyone interested in joining the group can contact Joan on 01254 247800.
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