North Coast Choir performs song for bereaved at Christmas

Elle and Luke Spurrell wrote the song after a close friend died

A choir is performing a song to reach out to people who are grieving at Christmas.

Elle Spurrell, leader of The North Coast Choir in Crantock was inspired "to do something positive" following the "painful" loss of a close friend.

"Talking About Love - This Christmas" has raised more than £1,000 in donations for charities Penhaligon's Friends and Cornwall Hospice Care.

The new choir is made up of 30 to 40 people "from all walks of life".

Members of the choir said they wanted to "give something back"

Ms Spurrell, a teacher, said: "I wrote this song straight from the heart and I really hope it can offer somebody comfort, especially at what can be a difficult time of year for some."

"When you lose someone I don't think there's a word that fits how you feel, as such.

"It's exhausting, it's painful and it flaws you".

She said the choir has also brought people together from the community who may otherwise be lonely.

Vanessa said the song had made her feel grateful for family

Vanessa joined the choir after recently moving to the village with her young family following her husband's recovery from cancer.

She said recording the song had been an emotional experience and had also taught her a new skill.

She said: "It feels incredible how you can just really be yourself and not be afraid to express yourself.

"I've never sung in my life before, so I think I've found some more self-confidence," she said.

Helen, a visually impaired choir member, said she had been able to take part by learning through listening to a CD.

She said she had experienced loss at Christmas and so had been glad to be involved in the song.

"I wanted to be a part of joining it and helping where I could in a small way to put something back and help the charities," she said.

Luke Spurrell, Elle's husband, co-wrote the music and said: "The expectations of what Christmas is supposed to be can be difficult if you're going through a grieving time - and hopefully, I hope, this song could give those people actually something to hold on to and feel like they're not so alone".