A MUSICAL theatre group has produced a compilation of classics to help support the NHS.

Darlington Operatic Society has released a 19 song-strong musical theatre CD, called Strictly Lockdown, with half of its profits going to the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust’s charity.

All of the songs have been created by members singing in isolation from their spare bedrooms, under-stair cupboards, bathrooms and conservatories during lockdown.

The group's spokesman Julian Cound said: “The idea of creating a compilation CD came fairly soon after the lockdown happened. It has taken many weeks of planning and organisation to get on sale.

“Over 40 members have submitted individual vocal tracks to be used on the CD which contains a mix of duets, small groups and full company numbers. This would be challenging enough in a recording studio but to create a CD of this quality in isolation has required a fantastic effort from everyone involved.”

The CD, which has sold hundreds of copies already, is full of songs from musicals including Wicked, Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, Sister Act and Hairspray.

Pat Chambers, charity manager at the hospital trust, said: “We’re enormously grateful to Darlington Operatic Society for sharing the profits from sales with us. The volunteers who run our hospital radio are also looking forward to playing the CD.

"Donations are used to fund a variety of projects to enhance the experience of both patients and staff and are much appreciated.”

As well as supporting the NHS, Strictly Lockdown, which costs £10, helps Darlington OS through a difficult period until it can resume shows at the Hippodrome.

The CD can be found in Guru, Darlington town centre, and the WHSmith outlet at Darlington Memorial Hospital.