A gay male voice chorus is representing Brighton on a reality television show to find the nation's favourite choir.

The Brighton Gay Men's Chorus is appearing on BBC One's show Last Choir Standing.

The choir, which recently changed its name from The City of Brighton Gay Men's Chorus, was selected from thousands of audition tapes to take part in studio heats.

It impressed judges with its unique take on popular hits arranged by musical director Ignacio Jarquin and assistant music director Howard Alexander.

Now the chorus is one of the final 60 to make it through to the Saturday- night live shows and is the only gay choir left in the competition.

Each week the choirs will be judged by a panel of music experts, including singer Russell Watson, actress Sharon D Clarke and choral conductor and principal of The Voices Foundation Suzi Digby.

The panel, along with members of the public, will vote each week for who they want to save until only one choir remains.

Silvo Grasso, chairman of the Brighton Gay Men's Chorus, said: "We are an amateur choir and knew it would take a lot of hard work to succeed in such a huge competition as Last Choir Standing.

"We are all extremely proud to be ambassadors for Brighton and Hove in a nationwide contest and to be representing the gay community on national television.

"We are an incredibly diverse choir, with members in their 20s to their 60s from all over the world. As the only gay choir left in the competition, its great to be presenting such a positive image of gay men and the diversity that exists within our communities."

Mr Grasso said the chorus hopes Brighton residents will support their local choir.

As well as working hard in the competition, the group has enjoyed a number of surprises, including having Myleene Klass, who co-hosts the show with Nick Knowles, playing the piano for the choir during a rehearsal and appearing on the Richard and Judy talk show.

The choir, which is accompanied by Jamsheed Master, has since made Ms Klass an honorary member.

Ms Klass said: "I'm really excited to be involved in Last Choir Standing... We're going to be seeing such a wide range of choirs with different styles and personalities."

Last Choir Standing began on Saturday at 7.45pm on BBC One.

For more information about Brighton Gay Men's Chorus and for details of its Pride show Around The World With 40 Gays visit www.singbrighton.com.