An amateur orchestra that started life in a member’s living room has blossomed into an "unrecognisable" ensemble giving pleasure to all involved.

Ivybridge Community Orchestra began in 2014 as the Ivybridge Beginners and Returners Orchestra. Back then it was a small group of people who had had a break from playing their instruments, or who had limited experience, and used to meet in a member’s home.

The group grew in size, moving onto various larger rehearsal spaces in St John’s Church hall, St Austin’s Priory, The Watermark and Ivybridge Rugby Club.

And members also bought in Ian Hiscock, a music teacher from Ugborough, as director of music.

Original member Barbara Wintersgill said: "The orchestra today is unrecognisable from the little band of enthusiasts who met in each other’s houses to play easy arrangements of simple tunes. Ian has transformed us into a real orchestra that can put up a creditable performance – and we’re getting better all the time.

"Making music together is challenging, fun and therapeutic. I’d encourage anyone, old or young, to join us."

Ian himself said the orchestra had grown and members seemed very happy. He said it was great to see players gaining in confidence, getting involved in other musical activities among themselves and gaining "a strong hobby".

Ian added playing with a group presented different challenges to playing alone, and helped develop other skills that orchestra members might find useful in daily life.

The Ivybridge Community Orchestra is giving its autumn concert on Saturday, October 14 at 2.30pm. The free concert is taking place in Ivybridge Methodist Church, and will feature music by Boyce, Mozart and Holst, as well as a miniature suite by British composer and music collector Ernest Tomlinson.

The orchestra rehearses at Ivybridge Rugby Club and The Watermark.