MILITARY wives became stage stars when they appeared at a special variety show to raise money for the armed forces.

Colchester Military Wives Choir sung at the West End Heroes event at London’s Dominion Theatre on Sunday which aims to raise thousands of pounds for Help For Heroes.

The group were introduced on stage by Eastenders star Bonnie Langford and they performed dramatic numbers including Abide With Me and Les Miserables favourite Do You Hear The People Sing?

Secretary Anne Mclachlan said all of the group had an amazing experience at the event which also featured pantomime legend Christopher Biggins, Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh and a host of other West End cast members.

She said: “This was definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity that we feel truly honoured to have been involved in.

“To be able to perform at such a prestigious venue and represent the Military Wives Choirs is an amazing thing.

“When we had our run through the view from the stage was a little scary but when the time came to perform in the evening, the nerves had gone and everyone was on cloud nine.

“The ladies worked extremely hard and all shone like the stars they are – the atmosphere was electric.”