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As the British and Irish Lions prepare to tour Australia this summer, rugby greats gathered at the Grosvenor Hotel in London to give coach Andy Farrell and his team a perfect send-off on Tuesday May 20.

In attendance on the night was Aber Valley Male Voice Choir, whose members made up for the limited Welsh representation in this year’s squad – with just Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams involved this year.

The choir performed two sets of songs on the night, including a medley of popular songs representing the nations involved in the tour – Wales, England, Scotland, and Ireland.

It was a special moment for the choir’s conductor, Geraint Evans, who is believed to be the longest current continuous serving conductor of any UK male choir – having served for 53 years and ten months.

The choir was something that ran in Geraint’s family. His father, his four brothers and two of his uncles were all members.

The choir was first set up by David John Evans – Geraint’s uncle – in Senghenydd in 1959, with Geraint becoming a member in 1962.

Geraint, who is from Senghenydd but now lives in Caerphilly, sang in the choir for nine years before being offered the chance to become the conductor.