Choir ends Britain's Got Talent 'proud and happy'

Northants Sings Out finished in the ninth place in the Britain's Got Talent final

A singing group said it was “proud” to be the first choir group to reach the finale of Britain's Got Talent.

Northants Sings Out performed Fatboy Slim's song Praise You on Sunday. The group from Northamptonshire received roaring applause from the audience and the judges said they “loved it".

The community choir finished in ninth place among the 10 finalists, which included a magician, a Ghanaian dancing duo and a Japanese skipping group.

The choir, which described itself as “the real people doing extra ordinary things”, shared its post-finale reactions on social media and said the group's “heads are held high and hearts are overwhelmed” with the support.

Gareth Fuller said he was "proud" of the team for being the first choir to reach the finals

The group, which includes 700 singers, received praise from the judges Simon Cowell, Bruno Tonioli, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden, who called their final performance as “the best party on the BGT stage”.

The choir had previously received an endorsement from popstar Madonna, after the group performed a version of her hit number Music.

Choirmaster Gareth Fuller received a special mention from Cowell, after he described the vocal arrangements as “brilliant”.

Mr Fuller said: “I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for all the support.

“We have had an amazing time... we are so proud and happy to be first choir to get to the BGT final.

“We were so excited to be there.”

Singer Sydnie Christmas was crowned the winner of the 17th series of Britain's Got Talent. She received a cash prize of £250,000 and has been given the chance to perform at the Royal Variety Performance.