A VILLAGE has created a virtual choir, inspired by the Queen’s coronavirus speech.

Residents from Thornton-le-Dale submitted videos of themselves singing along to We’ll Meet Again, to mark the unprecedented times of the coronavirus pandemic and last month’s 75th anniversary of VE Day.

North Yorkshire County Councillor, Janet Sanderson, who coordinated the project, wanted to bring residents together at a time when isolation was beginning to effect the mood within the village.

“It has been an amazing journey with some quite poignant stories of loyalty and dedication to the village both then and now,” said Cllr Sanderson.

“I’ve had some amazing help from people in the village, it’s what we are best at – all coming together to make things happen, which has resulted in an historic documentation of life in lockdown.

“My thanks go out to all the volunteers, both past and present, who have contributed to making our village special.

“I know that many people have been outside of their comfort zone in respect of the technology, others have shared very personal family stories. We have woven all these community threads together to make a lasting tribute and permanent record of village life during these strange times.”

The project, will is featured on the Visit Thornton-le-Dale website, includes photographs of residents during the war, life during lockdown and celebration of community groups, such as Women’s Institute and the Village Hub.

Thornton-le-Dale Ukulele’s, including members John Scoble and Peter Smith, recorded the wartime track together.

“Cllr Sanderson contacted me to ask if I could help,” said John.

“I decided to record myself playing ukulele for the track and whistling; I just felt that whistling was something very much of that era.

“I have 70 people of all ages playing and I have been running virtual lessons during lockdown.

“Cllr Sanderson has done a brilliant job; it’s been a wonderful community effort.

“All sorts of different ages got singing and involved – she has created a real community voice.”

For more information, visit visitthorntonledale.co.uk