A new R&B choir is starting up in Stoke-on-Trent – and local singers are being invited to join.

Glazed R&B Collective is a new vocal ensemble set up by local musician Janine Adamson.

The group is set to meet for the first rehearsal on Tuesday 22 September at The Boiler Works in Shelton, before meeting on a fortnightly basis.

Janine, 39, who plays violin and bassoon as well as having a keen interest in R&B, explained she decided to form the choir after realising this kind of group was missing in the city.

She said: "I'd been looking for a choir to join for a few years, but there was nothing really in the local area, that was what I was looking for.

"I've been following quite a few choirs in London, and I just love the vibe. It's sort of this blend between a traditional choir, gospel, and very R&B focused - very modern and fresh.

"Just people coming together, there's a real sense of community."

After waiting for something similar to "pop up" in Stoke-on-Trent, Janine decided to establish her own vocal collective in the city.

Professional singer and vocal coach, Melodie Forrester, will also be joining Janine and using her wealth of experience to help lead Glazed R&B Collective.

The pair are hoping to create a welcoming and accessible space for people who are interested in singing, and R&B music.

The group is open to people of all ages (teenagers under 18 can attend if accompanied by a parent) regardless of singing experience.

"All you need to really be able to do is hold a pitch and tune," Janine said.

As well as creating a space for people to enjoy the genre, Janine also hopes that as the collective develops over fortnightly rehearsals, there might be opportunities to perform.

Janine said: "I do feel like sometimes music can be a little bit inaccessible and it can be an expensive hobby.

"Whereas singing, you don't need to buy an instrument. It's very accessible and it's from your heart. It's connected to your body."

She added: "I feel like singing is such a gateway into music making and coming together with other like-minded people.

"There's so much more to singing than just the music in it."

The vocal collective also hopes to bring something new to the people of Stoke-on-Trent.

"It's very much for Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding areas," Janine added.

"It's for the city, it's urban, it has no element of you need to be this or that, or be able to pay a lot of money to be a part of it."

Each rehearsal will cost £6 to attend (via cash or PayPal), and attendees are asked to message the choir beforehand to let the team know they will be joining.

To find out more about Glazed R&B Collective, visit the Facebook page here.