A LOWER Gornal mum has launched a free singing group for musical youngsters.

Claire Cox decided to form Singing Angels at St Andrew's Church, The Straits, after the congregation supported her family following the birth of her son Albert.

The youngster, now aged four, spent many months in Birmingham Children's Hospital after being diagnosed with a motility disorder, which affects his intestinal muscles.

As a result of his condition, Albert has an ileostomy, is fed directly into his stomach through a tube and has small kidneys and flat feet.

"I have never followed a faith," Mrs Cox said. "But when Albert was so poorly the congregation were just there for us.

"I have become very close with the church minister, Jan Humphries, who has been a solid support throughout, from hospital visits to just being there when I needed to cry.

"When you have a family member seriously ill it gives so much comfort to know that others around you are praying for them. We still pray for Albert every week."

Although Singing Angels is held at the church, Mrs Cox was keen to stress it wasn't a "heavily religious group", adding: "It’s just using our beautiful local church to welcome children and my opportunity to give to our local community, no strings attached."

Mrs Cox, who has a background in amateur dramatics, continued: "They’ll be singing all sorts of songs - Christmas carols, pop songs and traditional hymns like Amazing Grace and If I were a Butterfly."

Singing Angels meet every Sunday, from 4pm to 5pm.

Parents can drop off their children for the one hour session, which will be led by Mrs Cox and a group of volunteers, who all have enhanced DBS checks and safeguarding training.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/StAndrewssingingangels.