He offered to manage the choir and get them a recording contract, which has been announced today, with Universal Music, the company whose acts include Eminem and 50 Cent.

Zygi Kamasa, a producer on Bend it Like Beckham and co-producer of George Clooney’s Good Night and Good Luck, has also snapped up the film rights to their story.

Some of the singers have been with the choir from Froncysyllte, near Oswestry, since it was formed in the aftermath of the Second World War to promote neighbourly goodwill.

The choir recorded their debut album, Voices of the Valley, which is being released next month, in a recording studio in Manchester with the Prague Symphony Orchestra in July.

Choir chairman Dave Jones, 57, who works at Shrewsbury’s Dana Prison, said: “I think we were in the right place at the right time. The whole experience of recording the album was fascinating and unique. We’re still coming to grips with it.

“We’re a very close family of 60 fellows who love singing. We’ve always been a successful choir and have won competitions around the world.

“At the moment we’re like rabbits stuck in headlights. I want to know who is going to play me. I’m hoping it will be George Clooney.”

Mr Glatman said: “When the hairs on the back of your neck stand up you know you can’t ignore it.

“When I heard these 60 guys sing I found myself really moved by it, their passion and pride.

“I had a beer with the chairman afterwards. I think they thought it was a wind-up.”

Film producer Kamasa said: “The story of this choir who were picked from obscurity to be signed by the biggest record label in the world is a classic feel-good story that has huge potential, particularly when you consider that the average age of the singers is 60.”

By Sue Austin