THE new Military Wives Choir album has hit the shops and among the first to snap up copies were – choir members themselves.

The Catterick Wives Choir – known locally as the Catterick Wags – feature on five of the 14 tracks of the new album, Stronger Together.

And they were among the first in the queue at their local Tesco store as the album went on sale.

“We don’t get copies of the album before they go on sale – so this is the first time we’ve been able to listen to it,” said spokesman Hannah Illingworth.

Stronger Together is the eagerly-awaited follow up to the Wives’ debut album, In My Dreams, which went straight to number 1 in the UK album charts.

It features 24 choirs, including some from Cyprus and Germany, and reunites the Military Wives with Gareth Malone, who also co-wrote two new songs for the album, including the title track.

“The choir is very proud of its contribution to the album and of its achievements this year,” said Hannah.

“We are especially looking forward to joining with the Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Band at a Festival of Remembrance charity concert at Durham Cathedral on November 10.

“In addition, six of our ladies will also be joining representatives from five other choirs to sing at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on the same night.”