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In its first appearance since 2004, Risca Male Voice Choir (RMC) has been crowned the best in Wales at this year’s Eisteddfod.

It had been a busy couple of months leading-up to the festival, which was held in Pontypridd, according to vice chairman Tim Stone.

In an effort to boost numbers and raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, the group reached-out to the community and asked them to give singing a go.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Mr Stone said: “We came up with something called ‘The Project’ which involved getting 50 male volunteers from the area to get together and form a choir.

“They rehearsed for 12 weeks before coming together in Rougemont School and performing in front of an audience. They did two songs before RMC joined in. It was a great occasion.”

That combined with a few other fundraisers over the past six months meant the choir could raise in excess of £20,000 for the charity, which is “very close” to a lot of the group’s hearts.

“A few of our singers have family members or friends who have suffered with motor neurone disease, and we know it’s something that impacts the community of Risca too.”

As well as raising money, the choir has also boosted its membership. Already at a healthy 55 participants, ten new members joined off the back of ‘The Project’.

Despite heading into the Eisteddfod in good spirits, Mr Stone said how RMC “never expected” to win. He continued: “We had our rehearsal on Saturday afternoon then a bit later on the real thing.

“We were one of ten choirs and 50 of us were up on stage. We got the results at around seven and to say we were shocked is an understatement.

“It was a phenomenal result. We probably hoped to place at best. A special mention has to go to our conductor Matthew Harrison, who won best conductor of the competition.”

With more members expected to join after the summer period, Mr Stone and the choir are excited about the future of the group, which rehearses at Choir HQ on St Mary Street, Risca, Thursdays from 7pm until 9pm and Sundays from 6pm until 8pm.

More details can be found on their website or social media page.