A renowned school choir from Calne has embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime tour of the USA.

The group of girls from St Mary’s School, in Curzon Street, flew to Florida on Saturday for the eight-day concert tour.

It came about after one of their CD recordings was heard by various people in the town of Naples, leading to the invitation. They have been booked to perform three concerts, two services and two recitals – but it won’t be all work.

St Mary’s director of music, Edward Whiting, said: “The girls are naturally very excited about the prospect of combining a busy musical itinerary with warm weather and the beaches and shops for which Florida is famous.

“Their programmes will include sacred music from the 18th to 21st centuries and the girls will also reveal their lighter side in music by performing songs by pop stars Michael Jackson, Britney Spears and Coldplay.”