A WINCHESTER choir leader has received a national award.

Marie O’Brien, 61, has nurtured a choir from three members to around 90.

Seven years ago, she joined the Eastleigh Fusion Choir where she sang once a week.

The leader of the choir was leaving and it was in danger of disbanding – until it was agreed that Marie should lead them instead.

Now, she has received national recognition by being presented with The British Citizen Award.

She thrived in the leadership role and decided to set up a second choir in her home town of Winchester, so in 2013 the Winchester Fusion Choir was born with just three singers, now it has over 90 singers.

It was her vision that the new choir should be fun, embrace all, include all abilities, no auditions, no choreography and no previous knowledge needed.

In 1998 Marie was involved in a road accident which completely changed her life. She sustained a broken neck with a spinal cord injury, with talk of possible tetraplegia.

But she made a complete recovery and gained an unwavering gratitude for life and has inspired her to create choirs unlike many other choirs.

During her time with the choirs, they have been instrumental in raising £48,000 for charities.

British Citizen Award Patron, Specsavers co-founder Dame Mary Perkins said: “Marie O’Brien has selflessly undertaken transforming lives through music, making a positive impact in her community with constant determination. She deserves the honour of a BCA medal and initials after her name”.

The BCAs were launched in January 2015, to recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on society.