AN ODE to cheddar set to the strains of Land of Hope and Glory is set to go viral.

The cheesy number performed by the Wanstead based community choir 'Upbeat' has made it to the final of a British Cheese Board competition.

The group, who meet every week at Wanstead High School in Redbridge Lane West, will take on four other entrants in a public vote to decide on a new national anthem for the savoury food favourite.

Entrants to the competition had to set new lyrics to 'God Save the Queen', 'Land of Hope and Glory' or 'Jerusalem'.

Upbeat’s conductor, Tim Sutton, said: “I heard about the competition on Radio 4.

“I’m a huge fan of cheese. It’s something that unites everyone, except the lactose intolerant.

“When I told the choir and read them the lyrics they did look at me as if I was a bit crazy, but they have thrown themselves into the project.”

The song even has a video which is racking up the hits on Youtube.

Mr Sutton, 38, who lives in Twickenham Road, Leytonstone, only started the choir this year, but it already has fifty regular members.

Richard Soane and his wife Jackie joined after being inspired by the BBC programme ‘The Choir’.

Mr Soane, 50, of Durham Avenue, Woodford Green, said: “When Tim mentioned the cheese song I was a bit taken aback.

“It’s quite hard to keep a straight face when you are singing about cheddar, but it’s a lot of fun and we are all delighted to have gone so far in the competition.

The winning entry will receive two weekend passes to cheese-loving former Blur Star Alex James’ Food and Music festival in September.

And there is also a big cheese prize up for grabs.

Mr Soane said: “Apparently the winner gets a year’s supply of cheddar, which is nice, although I must admit I’m more of a Wensleydale man myself.”

The choir have already performed at the Royal Festival Hall where they sang an eclectic mix of songs by Abba, Madness and Verdi.

Jean Durr, 56, of Woodcote Road in Wanstead, said: “There’s a real sense of togetherness among us all.

“We will be performing during the Olympic Torch Relay in Redbridge later this month.

“I’m not sure if that would be classed as bigger than being chosen as the choir to sing the official anthem of cheddar cheese, though.”

Vote for Upbeat Choir until August 3 by visiting britishcheese.com.

For more information on the choir visit upbeatchoir.com.

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