LAST year's winner of the Elgar in Hereford Award, Neil Pigott, may not have been asked to open any supermarkets or to appear on Celebrity Big Brother.

He has, however, spent his year productively.

Having relinquished his long-standing role as leader of the Fire Choir in 2003, Neil is co-leader of The Voice Squad with friend and colleague Alison Houlbrooke.

Aimed at young singers, the choir is specifically for those who may not have received a classical training but possess a 'good ear'.

"We're much more interested in their ability to listen," Neil said.

Twenty-strong at present, the choir is actively seeking more male voices.

"We're not in the game of producing classical music in any form," he said. "What we are doing which is really unique is working with world folk traditions learnt first hand by me and Alison which show musicians a different way of producing quality and sounds - things like Zulu war dances, which are great fun.

"It's a different experience of music-making which is rarely available in England."

Forty-four years of age, and a full-time fire safety officer, Neil has found time to start singing informally with a few friends which is, in a sense, all he wants.

In September he'll be off to Scotland for a singing workshop involving people from all over the country - 'the real McCoy'.

Prior to that, he'll be involved in this summer's performing arts summer school led by Paul Baron - for which some places are still available.

"I'm hoping to work more exclusively with a group of keen singers on a very specific piece of musical drama," Neil said.

"It's a bit embryonic at this stage, but I've been in collusion with summer school founder Norman Findlay."

What he hasn't found time to pick up is the cello. "I've almost got too many interests. But can't complain about that - there's still time to walk the dog!"

He admits to having been bemused to win last year's Elgar award because he doesn't regard himself as a professional singer.

"I am terribly proud to have it, especially in the year that the statue went up, which I genuinely love.

"There were several dozen other people who would have been equally more deserving of the award, but I got it."

Nominations are underway for the third award and his vote would go to Jon Watson, who took over the Fire Choir.

"He's a very fine technical musician who has brought them on musically. Having avoided going to concerts for a while, when I did they sounded much better than I remember!"

The award is open to individuals and organisations that have made a notable contribution to music within the county, particularly in the past 12months.

The closing date for nominations is March 10 and this year's award will be presented at a concert given by the Fire Choir in conjunction with the Voice Squad at St Francis Xavier Church, Hereford, on May 10.

Application forms and full details can be obtained from the Hereford Times offices on Holmer Road and King Street.

For details of the performing arts summer school contact 01432 851205.