A decade later and the singing group is still going strong and its members are planning a memorable 10th anniversary concert.

Over the years, the group has established a loyal following on South Tyneside and Wearside with a mix of expertly sung show tunes, top 10 hits and traditional favourites, all performed with panache and a big dollop of humour.

Twice a year – in early spring and early winter – they perform a week of shows at the Customs House, in South Shields.

However, Encore is now looking to stretch itself by playing other venues in smaller groups.

The group's founder and director is Janet Peel, who taught in South Shields primary schools for many years, but who now lives an idyllic ex-pat lifestyle in the hills of northern Spain.

"I'll sit in the sun with a glass of wine thinking of ideas for the show, of songs we could do and who would be right to sing them."

When she commutes back to her native North East England, the show is almost fully-fledged in her own mind.

She'll take the group through her songs and suggestions then head back to Spain while the group works on the show in her absence.

The idea is that when she returns, the show will only need a final bit of polishing.

"We've become a little family in many ways, so it doesn't take long for them to understand what I want," said Janet.

"Because of the talent within the group and their range, there is very little we can't do, from operatic to rock."

When Janet moved to Spain in 2007, many thought Encore would end.

"We've had five shows since I moved and it works very well," she explained.

"The audience is still there, and wouldn't know any difference." She is quick to praise their loyal following.

"They've grown with us and several of them will come back during our six-day run. We're very lucky," she said.

The audience has actually helped put together the 10th anniversary special.

At their last show, they gave out forms asking audience members which songs they would like performed, and which singer they would like to sing them.

Group member John Robinson is delighted the audience chose Nessum Dorma for him.

"It's such a great song and I've always enjoyed performing it," explained the former Sunderland policeman.

He explained why he thinks the group is still going strong after 10 years: "We get on well together and our voices complement each other so well. We are capable of such great harmonies."

John was thinking about retiring but his fellow group members would have none of it.

"I was thinking about this being my last show, but the group's reaction has persuaded me to stay on," said John.

Peter Gillespie is a founder member, who left the group after a couple of years, only to return last year.

"It was great to come back, the audience reaction has always been so good. They know what they are going to get – great songs, well sung with plenty of humour thrown in."

South Shields-born Peter, who works in finance, has long been a regular on the local music scene and sings in a band with the great name of Barely Human.

"It's a great group to belong to, we complement each so well, the pairings Janet works out are always successful.

Soprano Andrea Atkinson, who runs a sound design and installation company with her husband Tony, agreed that the group's strength is its versatility: "We have the four main voice groups well covered, so we can do anything really. We also have tremendous power when we're all singing together."

Dental surgeon Joanne Carr has a lot to thank Encore for – it was through the band she met her husband Keith, bandleader of the Customs House Community Big Band.

Having previously been in Washington Operatic Society and South Shields Gilbert & Sullivan Society, Joanne is well-versed in stage musicals.

"All of us come from doing full, proper shows, but we all enjoy this format. I enjoy being part of the group, it has always been fun and we enjoy the shows as much as the audience."

Policeman Alan Davison is another founder member. He lived in the Darlington area until his work took him to Sunderland and has performed with a range of local musical societies since.

Describing himself as a 'pushed-up baritone rather than a tenor' he's particularly looking forward to performing Anthem from the musical Chess at the group's show this month.

Both he and Karen Aynsley, who has been with Encore for four years, agreed the group is supportive of each other and members have become firm friends.

Karen was also keen to praise the group's professionalism: "As someone who used to sit in the audience, I know that Encore knows how to please."

Founder member Patricia L Whale believes the audience is getting a bit younger: "It's much the same, but we are also attracting younger people to our shows, which is great."

She is sure the group will still be together in another 10 years time and admits members have talked about doing a full show, rather than highlights from several shows.

"It might be nice, but it would be difficult to highlight our strengths by restricting ourselves," said Patricia.

Patricia, a full-time mum from South Shields, said the excitement was building for the forthcoming show.

"We just can't wait," she said, "I'm sure it will be very special."

n Encore's 10th Anniversary Concert is at the Customs House, South Shields, from Tuesday, November 17 to Saturday, November 21, 7.30pm each night, with a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday, November 21.

Tickets cost £12, with £10 concessions (not available on Friday or Saturday evenings)

* For more information on Encore, or to hire them for an event, go to www.weareencore.co.uk