BARNSLEY’S own Janine Dyer led a local choir to perform in front of thousands for boxer Ben Whittaker’s ring walk recently.

Janine, of Penistone, leads the Sheffield Community Choir which has members from all four of the South Yorkshire towns and cities.

The group aims to bring individuals and communities together to experience the joys of gospel music irrespective of their singing experience and religious backgrounds.

The boxer contacted Janine after witnessing the group’s performance at the MOBO Fringe in Sheffield last year.

And on Sunday, April 20, the group performed ‘Walk With Me’ as Whittaker walked out at the BP Pulse Arena in Birmingham ahead of his rematch with Liam Cameron.

Their performance has since gone viral, as has a ‘magical’ moment which unfolded backstage following Whittaker’s win where he danced with the choir.

That video has already surpassed 6.7 million views.

Musical director Janine said: “It has truly been a privilege to be asked to support such an event, and it has been an incredible experience to be part of such a memorable night for Ben.

“We are overjoyed and grateful that he chose us for his ring walk.

“Performing live on TV to such an enthusiastic audience was both a challenge and incredibly exhilarating.”