A former opera singer who directs five choirs was presented with a national award for services to music on Sunday evening.

Vivienne Bellos, musical director at Alyth Synagogue, in Alyth Gardens, Golders Green, won the Lady Hillary Grove Prize for outstanding contribution to music in the community.

The choral society nominated their leader for the award, from the Making Music Society, the largest association of amateur music-makers and promoters in the UK, submitting a four-page document on her achievements.

Ms Bellos said: "When I heard I'd won I was completely amazed. I don't win prizes, I'm not that sort of person. I was delighted that my prize is for work in the community, as that means more to me.

"When I accepted the award, I quoted a Jewish saying that goes, Work hard to make peace in your house, then in your street, then in your town'. I said if we worked hard to make music in our houses, streets, towns and countries, we'd be much closer to achieving peace."

Ms Bellos' certificate was presented by Sheena Williams, vice-chairman of the Making Music Society, in front of 250 people attending the choral society's 25th anniversary concert at the Alyth Synagogue.

The choir performed Mendlesohn's Elijah, echoing their debut performance in 1982, with the director singing a soprano solo.

Ms Bellos said: "It was a very successful concert. It was packed. Lots of people came up afterwards and said how fitting it was. We had people with tears in their eyes. It was emotional for me too."

Ms Bellos, from East Finchley, trained as an opera singer at the Royal Academy of Music. She became choir leader at the synagogue 28 years ago, and within a year had set up four more groups. She now directs the Jewish Youth Choir, and conducts the Alyth Choral Society.

She said: "Music is a way of forging friendships and breaking down barriers. It is a wonderful way of directing your energies in a positive and healing way."

The 56-year-old, who has recently become a grandmother twice, said: "I love my youth choir. I love working with kids, and watching them grow in confidence through their singing. They join the choir very shy and they leave ready to face the world."