Derbyshire Constabulary Male Voice Choir recently attracted controversy when it refused to accept female singers, leading Chief Constable Peter Goodman to say he can “no longer support” the

group. They have now been asked to cut ties with Derbyshire police, and the group now goes under the name of the Derbyshire Community Male Voice Choir Members of the choir, which is made up

of former officers, have said they have been left "heartbroken" by the decision. The move comes after it was announced the force has the worst gender pay gap in the UK which

currently stands at 28.8%. Kevin Griffiths, choir chairman, told the Derby Telegraph: "I was very taken aback by what happened. “He said he could no longer support a male voice choir

required the recruitment of up to 50 new female members with a host of associated costs. “We felt that to attempt such a change would have destroyed the choir and felt it was better to sever

our association with the constabulary and continue the good work we do under a new name.” He said the choir would acquire new clothing and seek to create a 'more contemporary'

image for their forthcoming season. Mr Goodman said: "We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to having an organisation where there are no enclaves where people from

different backgrounds cannot go. "Having a male voice choir representing the organisation is incompatible with this, especially as there are no members of the choir who are employed by

or who volunteer with us. I wish them all the very best for the future." The choir has been running for 62 years, an Mr Griffiths says he believes it has raised “in the region of

£750,000” for local good causes.