PLUCKY villagers struck a cheerful chord as they celebrated the first anniversary of their ukulele club.

The Soberton Strummers showed off their skills with a cabaret night on Monday featuring everything from Gaelic folk to ‘80s pop.

More than 25 players flocked to the village’s White Lion pub, where they have met every week since January 2014.

The diverse programme also included pirate shanties, jazz guitar, traditional ukulele duets and a solo harp performance.

Most members had never touched the small string instrument before their first meeting, but the group has since played gigs throughout the Meon Valley and enjoyed a masterclass from international uke-wielder Phil Doleman.

Founder Beverly Lambert said it was a “fab, fab evening” which proved that the global ukulele craze has changed British pub culture.

“At the first ever meeting I think most of the people were total beginners,” she said. “Since then they’ve really been gripped by it and come along brilliantly.

“What the ukulele has done is replaced the piano in the pub. People love a community sing-along.

“It brings together people of all types, all backgrounds and all interests – when you’re singing and strumming you forget any problems that you may have in your life.”

The Strummers meet at the White Lion every Monday from 7.30pm.