Originally founded by Jeremy Clarkson in the Cotswolds to advertise his alcohol brand, the group is a collective of real British farmers.

The ‘banned’ advert featured a rendition of the French opera song ‘Flower Duet’ from the opera ‘Lakme’, to advertise Clarkson’s Hawkstone lager.

The choir appeared on Britain’s Got Talent on March 21 and secured a golden buzzer from Amanda Holden during their audition.

During their audition the choir performed the Elbow anthem “One Day Like This” at the Birmingham Hippodrome.

This buzzer sent the 32-strong collective straight through to the live semi-finals.

Mr Clarkson was left visibly moved by the performance as he took to the social media site Instagram to share a raw clip with his instant reaction.

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Japanese hip-hop group World Wings also made it through to the semi-final (Image: ITV)

“I watched Britain’s Got Talent tonight for the first time because the Hawkstone Choir were on and they were just fantastic,” he said, appearing to be close to tears.

“It shows that people quite like farmers. They were very, very good, well done, all of you. I’m a very happy man tonight.”

In March, the choir announced the release of a limited-edition vinyl record, with 100 per cent of the profits being donated to the mental health charity, Shout.

The limited-edition vinyl includes ‘F**k Me It’s Good’, ‘It’s The Dog’s Nuts’, ‘Apples’, and ‘The Stout National Anthem’.

The semi-finals began on May 2 and will continue every Saturday for the rest of this month.

The choir will go against artist like the Japanese hip-hop dancers World Wings, magician Fabian Fox, pupils from Braunstone Community Primary School and dance group LMA.

Ava Montazer-Mahdi reached the milestone through children’s charity Chance to Shine, and was celebrated at a special event at John Henry Newman Academy in Oxford.

More than 200 pupils took part in a cricket-themed assembly and coaching sessions, joined by England fast bowler Sonny Baker.

He presented Ava with a signed England shirt and said: “Every player starts somewhere, and for a lot of young people that first chance to pick up a bat and ball can be the moment the game clicks for them.

“Chance to Shine plays a massive role in that – they’re absolutely key to the grassroots game.

“I absolutely loved it today; this is what it’s all about.

“This is why we play cricket; it’s about the fun and enjoyment.”

Ava said: “Becoming the 8 millionth child was very cool; I can’t explain how fun it was!”

Anneliese Dodds MP also attended the event, alongside representatives from Oxfordshire Cricket and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Kate Stephens, chief executive of Chance to Shine, said: “When Chance to Shine was founded in 2005, nobody could have imagined that we would one day reach eight million children across the UK.

“Numbers like this are important, but what really matters is the opportunities our brilliant coaches are creating for children in schools and communities every single day.”

Each year, Chance to Shine delivers cricket sessions in around a quarter of state primary schools across England and Wales and runs more than 300 free Street cricket clubs in underserved communities.

Alison and Larry Garrad, now living in Bristol, were honoured for their lifelong dedication to supporting Lin Tai (‘Linny’) through Oxfordshire County Council’s Shared Lives Scheme, which helps adults with learning disabilities live within supportive family environments.

Their relationship with Linny began long before the scheme as she was fostered by Alison’s parents at just seven days old. Alison grew up as Linny’s ‘big sister’.

When Alison’s parents retired from caring in 2002, she and Larry stepped forward to ensure Linny could remain with the only family she had ever known.

Alison Garrad said: “We never set out to do anything remarkable, we simply wanted Linny to remain part of the family who loved her.

“Watching her grow, learn and experience the world has been one of the greatest joys of our lives.

“Although supporting her move to independent living has been hard for us, we are incredibly proud of her and grateful that we can continue sharing weekends and family time together.

“Being invited to Buckingham Palace is a huge honour, but the real privilege has been having Linny in our lives.”

For the past 24 years, Linny has lived as a member of the Garrad family, sharing in their daily routines and international travels – including visits to nearly every US state during long stays for Larry’s work.

Earlier this year, Linny, now in her 50s, moved into supported living accommodation with full-time care.

Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for adult social care, said: “Alison and Larry represent everything that makes Shared Lives so special.

“Their love, commitment and belief in what Linny could achieve have helped her to live a full, meaningful and connected life for more than two decades.

“Their story shows the power of ordinary families doing extraordinary things, and we are delighted that their dedication is being recognised at Buckingham Palace.”

The Shared Lives Scheme matches adults in need of support with trained carers who welcome them into their homes, fostering stable and nurturing environments.

For Alison and Larry, Linny’s move toward greater independence has been both emotional.

They continue to spend weekends and family time with her, cherishing the strong bonds built over a lifetime of care.

The Buckingham Palace invitation stands as a public acknowledgement of their quiet, unwavering commitment to giving Linny not just care but a true sense of belonging and family.