Members of a Mid Sussex operatic society will have no shortage of cast members in future years thanks to a baby boom.

In the past two years, performers with the Burgess Hill Operatic Society have had 12 babies between them.

With a membership of about 100, they have certainly surpassed the national birth average and given a whole new meaning to recruiting new members.

Two more babies are on the way and due early next year and there is every chance more will follow, creating a whole chorus of little opera stars of the future.

Spokeswoman Sally Kirwan, 35, who was one of the front-runners for the baby boom, when she had her daughter Melissa, said: "They are all part of the group, either them and or their partners are involved.

"About half of the mums who sing have husbands either singing or helping out with the scenery.

"During one show last year we had four people pregnant all at the same time and it has become quite a source of amusement that there are so many having children."

The baby explosion began in August 2000, when Kate Taylor, 34, gave birth to Abigail and Danielle Beck, 28, had her son Joe.

Michelle Scott, 31, had twins, Charlotte and Adam in November 2000, Ann-Marie Forster, 27, had Daisy in January 2001 while Caroline Reid, 31, gave birth to Joshua in the same month. The following month chairman Melinda Lawrence, 33, had Dominick and in May 2001 Louise Kelly-Noakes, 30, had Anneka.

In July 2001, Lauren was born to Tess Russell, 33, in October Pippa Thornton, 22, had Ella-May and in November Sylvia Bourhill, 43, had Philip.

The latest addition is Ella, born to Sally Russell, 33, whose husband is involved in the group. She completes the line-up of the opera babes.

Mrs Kirwan said: "Of our friends in the group I was one of the first to have a baby.

"It is funny now how they have started producing at the same time but it is nice because all the children are a similar age and we all are as well.

"The society is very good socially. We meet up and do lots of things together and hopefully we are providing the next set of actors.

"Perhaps we should consider doing an operatic version of Oliver."

The society, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, puts on two full productions a year with the occasional concerts. It is preparing for a production of Fiddler On The Roof although it is unlikely any of the younger members will be ready to take part for a few years yet.

The group is also looking for new members, particularly male singers.

Fiddler On The Roof is being performed at the Martlets Hall in Burgess Hill from October 8 to 12. For tickets, call 01444 242888. For information about joining the society, call 01273 844299.