A PENSIONER had the surprise of her life when a 40-strong Norwegian choir gave an impromptu concert outside her home.

Margaret Keelan was bowled over when the Inspirational Gospel Choir turned her garden in a quiet cul-de-sac in Darlington into a concert hall yesterday morning.

The whole street turned out to see the choir sing some of their favourite songs.

The one-off performance was organised by Mrs Keelan's grand-daughter Emma, 13, who sings in the choir along with her older brother Patrick.

Mrs Keelan said: "I had an inkling that something was going to happen, but I had no idea what is was.

"I couldn't believe it when they all started singing and dancing.

"It was great, especially when all the neighbours came out and gave them a round of applause."

Mrs Keelan's son, Chris, is a university lecturer who moved to Norway more than 20 years ago and his children are both members of the Inspirational Choir based in a small village called Kragero in the south of the country.

The choir is visiting Darlington this week and are staying at Walworth Castle while Mrs Keelan is looking after her son and daughter-in-law at her home in Elton Grove.

The choir had wanted to perform at St Augustine's Church where Mrs Keelan is a member of the congregation but it could not be arranged in time so the unusual outdoor concert took place instead.

Mrs Keelan said: "Emily said she wanted to perform for her gran and because they couldn't get a venue they just decided to come to my house.

"It was amazing to see them all on the lawn and they gave a really good performance in both English and Norwegian. I said to the neighbours, it's like a Viking invasion in the street!"

Mrs Keelan moved to Elton Grove five years ago after losing her husband and had contemplated moving to Norway.

She said: "My family wanted me to live near them but I didn't want to leave my friends.

"Now I feel like a bit of Norway has come to my house - so I've had the best of both worlds."