BEING IN charge of a choir Keith Gallois is used to helping the people of Witchford hit all the right notes, but he could yet make the loudest noise of all after being nominated to carry the London 2012 Olympic Torch.

In association with Lloyds TSB members of the public are being encouraged to nominate the person they believe most deserves to carry the Olympic Flame as it tours the UK and Mr Gallois has been one of the first to be picked out.

The 46-year-old founded Witchford Voices 18 months ago and has seen it go from strength to strength with their first album just released and a European tour arranged for the summer.

And although used to starring alongside 79 others in his choir, Ely resident Mr Gallois admits he would have no qualms about taking the spotlight alone at London 2012.

“It is a real honour to be nominated to carry the Olympic Torch and I was very happy and excited when I found out and just hope I win it now,” he said.

“Most people in the area know me through the choir and when we started it we build it up from nothing really and now we have an album and a tour so it is great.

“The album is called ‘People Like You’ because we are just an ordinary choir with people of all ages and backgrounds who come together to sing.

“It has really helped the community because before people wouldn’t even know their neighbours but now they are becoming good friends and talking all the time.

“I actually manage to get some football tickets but to be part of the Torch relay would be amazing and I would be honoured to do it.”

Although Mr Gallois and his choir are taking off, life hasn’t always been easy with his wife Lesley suffering a brain haemorrhage four years ago and he a stroke four weeks later.

But after turning their lives around with the help of the community, Mr Gallois is just happy to be able to give something back.

“This really would be a dream come true for me because it has been a tough two or three years for one reason or another with me and my wife’s health problems,” he added.

“We both thought we were going to die so to come from that to possibly being involved in the Olympics, with the help of our community which has been great, is amazing.”

To nominate yourself or someone else to be a London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer with Lloyds TSB, visit www.lloydstsb.com/carrytheflame. Nominations close on 12 September. Terms and Conditions apply.