A new youth choir has been launched in Oxfordshire.

The Cotswold Youth Choir, for youngsters aged 10-18, is led by Oxford's Ben Goodall.

Mr Goodall, currently musical director for two other Oxford-based choirs, started the Cotswold Youth Choir under the banner of his Chipping Norton Choral Society.

It aims to provide more opportunities for secondary school children to learn music.

Music is reported to help young minds' development, as well as improving team working skills, concentration, rhythm understanding and music theory.

The choir relies on support from Chipping Norton Choral Society and financial assistance from benefactors.

The first phase of setting up the choir commenced with free singing workshops for children aged nine to 14 across north Oxfordshire carried out by Mr Goodall.

This phase saw 500 children from nine schools participate.

It concluded with a sing day event in Chipping Norton Town Hall in March, drawing 20 children from several schools.

The next stage, which will begin this month, transitions rehearsals from schools to after-school sessions at the Chipping Norton Town Hall.

Weekly rehearsals will start on April 17, running every Wednesday from 5.30pm-7pm, open to all 10-18-year-olds.

The aim is to coincide with school schedules, although this may not always be possible due to pupils travelling from 12-15 miles away.

A final concert in the town hall will end the school year.

Further details are available at contact@cotswoldyouthchoir.org.uk or via the Cotswold Youth Choir website.