A COMMITTED York choir has been holding extra singing practices - down the pub.

Members of the York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir descend on The Snickleway Inn, in Goodramgate, to whet their whistle after weekly rehearsals at St William's College. Regulars and passing tourists are encouraged to join in an impromptu sing-along which has included everything from opera classic Nessun Dorma to When The Saints Go Marching In.

The group, which was formed 77 years ago, performs a full repertoire between sips of beer, and performances include singing in Russian, Spanish and German.

"It's great fun," said choir chairman Gerard White.

"Wherever we meet we sing, and that includes the pub!

"People always wander in from the street to join in or just listen.

"It's all very informal and the landlord puts on a plate of sandwiches."

Landlord Frank Cartin said: "The singing is fabulous.

"During the summer when we open up the front doors, loads of tourists stand outside to listen.

"It creates a really good atmosphere."

Updated: 11:07 Tuesday, March 05, 2002