THE aisles were alive with the sound of music at York's Vangarde shopping centre when a Valentine’s flash mob was staged to the surprise of shoppers.

Dozens of people from Lucy’s Pop Choir burst into song to 'encourage togetherness through the power of music and help shoppers feel the love on Valentine’s Weekend.'

The choir posed as regular shoppers going about their business around the Next store, then one by one began singing Just the Way You Are, by Bruno Mars.

Lucy Mclean, choir director, said: “The choir have been excited about this for weeks. They love performing because we have so much fun, especially doing a flash mob.

“They always look and sound fantastic, but we're about more than just the performances. Our choir brings people together, forges new friendships and boosts mental health. It's so much more than just a hobby.”

She said Lucy's Pop Choir is York's fastest growing choir and now has seven choirs across York, Leeds and Peterborough, with another launching in Harrogate this June.

"We don't audition and we don't use sheet music because we believe that if you love singing, then you should do it," she said.

“If you love singing, but haven't joined a choir because you were nervous, or worried about not being the best singer, you don’t need to worry about any of that with us. Just come and enjoy yourself.”

Deb O’Donnell, centre manager at Vangarde, said: “The positive attention the flash mob received proves that creating more enlivenment on the park can be extremely valuable and really enhance the shopping experience."