Membership of a community choir has dwindled following its successful appearance on TV.

The Blackbird Leys Choir has lost more than half of its members since it appeared in channel Five documentary The Singing Estate in 2006.

The choir, which was known as Ivor's Choir for the duration of filming, attracted about 40 members to practice sessions at its height.

The singers performed at the Royal Albert Hall and for the Queen at Buckingham Palace within months of the choir's formation.

But interest in the group has slumped following the group's subsequent relaunch as the Blackbird Leys Choir in September 2006.

Nick Tills, chairman of the choir committee, said: "We haven't got as many members as we would like.

"We have got about a dozen or 14 coming along regularly. We would really like to get it up to the mid-20s.

"When we were part of Ivor's Choir we had about 40. It dropped off fairly quickly after that.

"I think some people were just in it for the TV and singing in the Albert Hall. Other people have left because they have got family commitments.

"We are just about sustainable as a small choir at the moment but we do need to pick up a few more people."

The choir is currently rehearsing Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys and Abba's Money Money Money for a show at the Sheldonian Theatre in June.

The choir has also performed orchestral music in past concerts while working with The Arts Council and Oxford Contemporary Music.

Mr Tills, who lives in Warburg Crescent on the estate, said: "It's a very friendly choir.

"Once a month we have started to do some socialising afterwards like going to the pub or bringing in a shared meal.

"The emphasis is on producing choral excellence, but also on building a sense of community and friendship. Classical music can be as relevant in Blackbird Leys as North Oxford or anywhere else."

Jeremy Renals, 45, from Grebe Close, Greater Leys, said he thought numbers were down because people had other pressures on their time and the choir did not have the same means to publicise itself as it had in the past.

He said: "I feel there is still hope, as long as people get to hear we are still there.

"The choir gives you the confidence to stand up in front of people, knowing you have the support of others.

"It also fosters an ability to do teamwork.

"The choir really does give you back more than you put into it.

"It is good for the body and for the soul."

If you are interested in joining the choir, try a practice session at Orchard Meadow School on Wednesdays, between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.