A woman who competed against One Direction in the charts will be given an MBE.

Sandra Colston, who owns Funky Voices, released a single with her choir and famous Spandau Ballet star, Tony Hadley, for Children in Need.

The former student at Droitwich Spa High School has also raised money by hosting music charity events.

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Miss Colston said: "Over time, it has become more real.

"For ages, I thought it was a hoax, people like me getting an MBE, you are having a laugh. 

"When I got the phone call telling me I got an MBE this year, I kept saying are you sure it says my name?

"Then the hardest bit was that I had to keep it a secret.

"I wanted to reveal it to the choir as it is a group effort, and I wouldn't be here without them, and they wouldn't be here without me.

"When 10pm hit, I brought out some MBE balloons, and they all started crying."

Miss Colston will be awarded her MBE for her 'Services to Music, Community and Charity'.

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She added: "The choir creates an organic community, and the members and I get so much from it.

"I wanted to widen that community element and spread ourselves further out.

"It's a win for everyone as we get to perform, people get to watch, and we raise money for charities.

"It's brilliant for them (her choir) who say they lead normal lives in the week and then on the weekends live popstar lifestyles.

To celebrate her MBE Miss Colston said she will be going for a meal with her parents Jeanette and Robert after she receives her MBE at Windsor Castle on February 21.

Funky Voices recorded their single "Through the Barricades" with Tony Hadley in 2016 and was up against famous artists like One Direction for the top spot in the charts.