A CHURCH choir that was helped to go on a trip of a lifetime by a year of fundraising has just returned from Latvia after a series of concerts culminated in a performance in Riga Cathedral.

The choir of St John's Church, Devizes, which is made up of 22 children and 19 adults, was asked to represent the Diocese of Salisbury on the trip to strengthen existing links with the Lutheran Church in Latvia.

Director of music Chris Totney said: "After a year of planning, during which 15 separate fundraising events were staged, excited members of the choir and church community departed for Riga.

"They were welcomed with a traditional meal, complete with folk dancing, before heading to the town of Cesis the following day. Whilst there, they led a special service at their namesake church to commemorate the Feast of the Beheading of St John the Baptist.

"After a day off in the picturesque Gauja National Park, the choir returned to Riga where they gave a concert to great acclaim in front of an audience of hundreds in the city’s magnificent cathedral before flying home.

“This was a massive undertaking and we are so grateful to everyone in the local community who has rallied round over the past year to help make this trip a reality. Those who were fortunate enough to take part in the tour arrived home exhausted but exhilarated after an experience that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”

Canon Paul Richardson, Rector of St John with St Mary, Devizes, said: “To dream of getting the choir there is one thing, but to actually manage it is a great achievement. It’s clear, particularly from talking to the youngsters, that everyone had an incredible time.”