WHEN THE England team played their World Cup matches in Rio they were watched by their WAGs.

It was no different for the members of Steeton Male Voice Choir when they headed off for a weekend tour of the North East.

Many of the singers were accompanied by their WAPs – wives and partners -- as they performed in Durham and Middlesbrough.

Choir spokesman Eric Parker said the choir performed for successful concerts, including some as guests of North East choirs.

Eric said: “The choir tour totalled a group of 120 with 58 choristers and the remainder are wives and partners who are always around to applaud our music.

“Because they know the songs so well that they are also our chief critics and spur us on to uplift our performances.

“Our first recital at Durham Cathedral was an amazing experience for the choir even though many have already sung in many cathedrals in the UK and Europe.

“The thrill of singing in such beautiful building with wonderful acoustics never fail to raise the hairs on the back of your neck.”

The second concert was at St. George’s Cullercoats, just a few minutes’ drive away from a base of Whitley Bay.

Take said: “This was built to provide really good acoustics, if not the most comfortable seats, so our wives tell us.”

The joint concert with Newcastle Male Chorus Choir celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Life Brigade.

Sunday saw a concert at Middleborough Town Hall hosted by the Middlesborough Community Town Hall Choir.

Eric said: “They made us feel right at home, and concert ended with a rather spirited joint item of the Rhythm of Life. The audience gave a very generous Northern applause.”

The choir stopped off on its way home on the Monday to perform twice for visitors to Alnwick Gardens.

Eric said: “All these concerts have been completely different in tone and character but there is no doubt about it – many people enjoy the music of Steeton Male Voice Choir and we are ambassadors for the county of West Yorkshire.

The choir will perform at the octagon, Bradford Road, Sandbeds, on July 18, from 7.30pm.

The concert is organised by the Margaret Carey Foundation with guest soloist Roger Sutcliff.

It will the choir’s last concert before accompanist Anne Mott retires to live in York.

Admission £10, concessions £7.50. Call Ian McDonald on 01274 400375 or David Brown 01535 274919 for tickets.