Choral glory for Only Men Aloud

Only Men Aloud provide a new twist on the Welsh male voice choir

The Cardiff-based choir is enjoying success after beating Ysgol Glanaethwy to win BBC TV's musical talent competition Last Choir Standing.

Tim Rhys-Evans created Only Men Aloud in 2000 for young male singers not attracted by traditional choral music.

With a repertoire ranging from the 15th Century to modern pop, they're showing that choirs can be fresh and funky.

The line-up of teachers, musicians, students, a gardener and a pharmacist fit concerts around their day jobs.

Viewers of Last Choir Standing in late summer and autumn 2008 saw the choir perform a range of tunes from Cwm Rhondda to Don't Rain On My Parade from the musical Funny Girl.

But when the contest came down to a north-versus-south Wales final two, it was a tear-jerking rendition of the Seventies pop ballad All By Myself which gave the men of Cardiff the edge over the young mixed choir from Bangor.

Following their victory the guys found themselves in big demand, with an appearance at the Royal Variety Performance and a multimillion pound record deal with Universal.

At the moment the members are enjoying the fame but having to juggle their musical commitments with their day jobs.

They also found time to lend a hand to BBC Wales news presenters and journalists who performed live for Children in Need 2008 as Only News Aloud.