During the darkest days of the Second World War, when Britain was being devastated by enemy bombs and lives were changed forever, a group of ladies decided to set up a singing group which would help people to endure hardship and provide comfort in dark times. 

One lady, who will turn 100 years old this July, was a founding member of the choir that was founded during the war - and she is still singing with them today

Mary Cox, 99, of Ulverston is a soprano in The Ghyll Singers, a ladies' choir based in Ulverston. 

The group were founded by the Afternoon Townswomen’s Guild in Ulverston in 1941, making this year their 75th birthday. 

Miss Cox joined the choir when it started up and this year will also mark 75 years since she began singing with the group. She said: "When I joined the choir in 1941 it was in the middle of the war. It was a hard time but singing in the choir was a time for pleasure and it has been a pleasure ever since.

"Singing is also good for my health as it improves my breathing and choir night is always one of the highlights of my week.

"We have a great time, all the ladies are so lovely here. I still try to sing in concerts as long as there aren't too many steps in the venue and it is just fantastic to be part of the group."

The Ghyll Singers will be celebrating their 75th anniversary with a concert entitled River of Song, which will take place at Ulverston Methodist Church on Friday June 3, at 7.30pm, where the group will be joined by three soloists.

Although not as many young people may think of joining a choir as they would have done in the 1940s, watching The Ghyll Singers rehearse proves what a wonderful experience it can be. The choir has members ranging in age from 16 right up to Miss Cox.

Singing in a group is a brilliant way to meet new people and to enjoy expressing yourself through music without feeling the pressure of performing solo.

Music has been hailed as "medicine for the soul" and upon hearing the choir perform one of their favourite songs, Dream a Little Dream of Me,  it is easy to see why all the ladies were in such high spirits. The music was beautiful to listen to and looked like great fun. The atmosphere was relaxed and everybody had a smile on their face. 

Singing can be a fun way to interact socially and is fantastic for both mental and physical health. Musical director of The Ghyll Singers, Deborah Milledge, said: "Everyone is friends in the group; we are always organising nights out and we have an afternoon tea event coming up soon.

"Singing improves our breathing and helps lung health, even in people with conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 

"Regular singing has also been proved to benefit people with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, strokes and dementia because it improves their mood, communication and gets them out socialising.

"Most importantly group singing can help people with low self-esteem to develop friendships which can have a positive impact.

"I don't think it matters what style of music you prefer. Some choirs, like the Ghyll Singers, sing a wide range of music: classical, folk, show songs, jazz and pop. Others are more specialised. If you feel you could do with a boost or cheering up I would really recommend singing."

The Ghyll singers will be performing for Miss Cox's 100th birthday party in July, when she will also receive her letter from the Queen, and are available for any weddings and events that need a touch of musical sparkle.