MEMBERS of Llandybie Male Voice Choir have returned from a successful tour of North America to mark their 100th anniversary.

The trip had been thrown into jeopardy by the collapse of Zoom airlines.

But choristers and their supporters elected to press ahead and book their flights with another airline – at an extra cost of £55,000.

Now safely back on home soil, choir secretary Keith Jones said the decision not to call off the tour had been vindicated. “The whole trip was excellent – it went very well,” he said.

The choir’s first concert at Niagara-on-the-Lake proved a sell-out with a number of ex-pats among the large and appreciative audience.

They then crossed the US border to Pennsylvania and their second concert in Philadelphia.

Then it was back to Niagara for a second concert which was even better attended than the first. “So many people seemed to have been told we were coming back,” said Mr Jones.

“It really was the trip of a lifetime and I’d certainly like to go back although not on Zoom airlines!”

Now the choir are focusing on arranging a fundraising concerts having been “inundated” with offers of support from choirs throughout south Wales.

“We have to sort out a date and venue and such a concert will have to take place sometime next year,” said Mr Jones.