Singing live can be a nerve-racking affair even for the most seasoned performer.

But the Soul Sisters felt the fear and did it anyway after completing a confidence- boosting crash course.

Following ten sessions with vocal trainer Sarah James, the 20-strong group of women performed an end-of-term concert to a packed audience at The Albert pub in Trafalgar Street, Brighton.

Ms James, who sings in the band Two Timers, said the group included women who are successful in their professional lives but were afraid to sing on stage.

She said: "Singing is a very personal thing. When you're at work you are playing a role but when you're singing you have to be yourself.

"Your voice shows everything, warts and all, so it's obvious if you're nervous.

"It doesn't matter how good your pitch is, if you don't have the confidence to perform, it's worth nothing."

The women gathered at a rehearsal studio to practise their vocal techniques, gradually building up the courage to sing in front of each other.

Ms James, who claimed she could not imagine an all-male singing group working as well as the Soul Sisters, said: "They all supported each other and have formed a bond.

"I would be prepared to try an allmale group but I don't think it would work as well. Men are less willing to reveal their vulnerabilities in front of each other."

Soul Sister Deborah Warman- Freed, an aromatherapist who works in Hove, had always loved singing but was petrified of performing solo.

She said: "I found the group environment very supportive. We all cheer each other on.

"My singing has certainly improved and I've learned lots of useful techniques.

"But it's not so much about becoming a great singer, it's more about building confidence and going for it.

"To be honest, it's really a metaphor for overcoming challenges in life.

"I'm not exaggerating when I say it makes me feel as though I can do just about anything if I put my mind to it.

"It's been a truly liberating experience and my confidence has soared."

Mother-of-two Sue Harrington, from Saltdean, is a sub-editor at the Methodist Recorder. Before she joined the group she had already had some experience of public singing.

A member of the choir at Dorset Gardens Methodist Church, she wanted to develop her voice and set aside some "me time".

She said: "I met a really great group of women and made some good friends.

"The showcase party was a great experience. It was a bit nerve-racking at first but I really enjoyed it once we got started.

"There was quite a lot of work involved in the weeks beforehand, rehearsing and learning lyrics, and we were all on a real high by the end of the evening."

The women now plan to join forces again for a second public performance.

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