AN Amman Valley choir has raised a smile as well as plenty of cash for Morriston hospital.

Côr Merched Lleisiau'r Cwm posed for their own special calendar, packed with shots of their singers in a series of imaginative poses with the proceeds going to the hospital's Gastro-Intestinal Research Fund.

Now choir members have handed over a cheque for £1,000 to consultant general and colorectal surgeon Martyn Evans.

The choir wanted to do something special to mark its 20th anniversary and came up with the idea of the calendar which not only showcased the choristers but also featured musical quotes from some favourite songs they have performed over the years.

The light-hearted calendar was shot on location at Stradey Castle and, besides group photos, some brave members appear covering their modesty with just sheet music, maps, and umbrellas.

Llinos Thomas, of Glanaman, who is pictured in the calendar sharing a hot tub for her photo, had a personal reason for getting involved.

“Martyn Evans saved my life so I wanted to do something to help support his work. He first operated on me in 2012 and I am still under his care and face further surgery.

“He is a wonderful surgeon and I receive such marvellous care from everyone whenever I have been treated at Morriston.”

Llinos, who sings second soprano with the choir, added: “Shooting the calendar ended up being a fun day for us all.”

She returned to Morriston’s Ward V, accompanied by choir conductor Catrin Hughes and secretary Elin Rees, to hand the cheque over to Martyn Evans and John Beynon, consultant general and colorectal surgeon and professor of surgery at Swansea University.

Martyn said: “We are extremely grateful to Côr Lleisiau’r Cwm for their extremely kind donation which will allow us to continue to support our research fellows as they pursue their research into colorectal cancer at Swansea University.”