THIS week, a concert will be given to celebrate the 50th anniversary of an extra-special choir.

For half a century, the Orpington Junior Singers have quietly been accumulating awards and international recognition.

The Orpington Junior Singers were formed in 1949 by talented (amateur) musician Sheila Mossman, who in 1969, won the MBE for her work.

Charles Vignoles, the Director of Choral Studies at the Bromley Youth Music Trust, at which the choir is based, described hearing the group sing as a teenage ex-chorister.

"I remember clearly listening to broadcasts by the OJS in the 1950s," said Charles. "I was immensely impressed by the choir's blend and sweetness of tone. Sheila was a remarkable musician."

In 1952, the OJS had their first taste of success, when they triumphed at the Tunbridge Wells Festival, winning the Youth Choir Under 21 class.

From Tunbridge Wells, the girls moved on to London's Royal Albert Hall, for a performance in front of thousands.

Sheila Seppings, a founder member of the choir, has vivid memories of that evening.

"It was a very special occasion," she says. "There we were, a relatively small local choir, standing alone on the stage of that vast and famous venue and being applauded by a large and knowledgeable audience."

The 1950s also saw the Singers invited to 10 Downing Street and Chartwell House, to sing carols for Sir Winston Churchill.

One former choir member recalled: "It was just after the war, and we were living under rations -- it was still a very austere environment. We were all offered port and mince pies, what a luxury in those days! But we weren't given plates, and we were petrified of dropping crumbs on the floor!"

The 1960s saw the choir's biggest success, singers winning national competitions, and touring abroad. Sheila Mossman was awarded the MBE, but died two years later.

Fifty years on the OJS is enjoying a revival under the care of Bromley Youth Music Trust.

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