Members of a choir are celebrating 30 years of singing together. The mixed voice Hyndburn Singers is held a celebratory concert for more than 100 people at Whalley Road United Reformed Church.

Among those in attendance were Coun Allah Dad, choir founders Cynthia and Alan Ashworth, and the original president, and former MP Ken Hargreaves.

The choir was formed in 1981 by Alan and Cynthia, with their first rehearsal at Central Methodist Church.

When this was demolished the choir moved to the Conservative Club in Accrington with volunteers carrying their piano up several flights of stairs for weekly rehearsals.

Musical director Marjorie Barker said: "Our rehearsal room was on the first floor of the Conservative Club, the ceilings there are very high so we are talking about the equivalent of two or three normal house flights in addition to that long set of stairs outside that you have to climb to reach the main doors."

After the venue closed they moved rehearsals to Whalley Road United Reformed Church where they practice today.

In 1997 Alan Ashworth passed on the conductor’s baton to Julie Townson, who had been head of music at St Christopher’s High School, Accrington.

At the same time Julie Clarkson became accompanist. After 10 years of service to the choir Julie Townson stood down as conductor and was briefly replaced by Neil Shepherd, before he moved to the south of England.

In 2008 Marjorie Barker took over as musical director, after 27 years as an alto in the choir. Marjorie said: "No organisation can remain unchanged and, although the choir has one founder member and several almost founder members still singing, many new members have joined in recent years."

The choir is always looking for new members. For more information visit: www.choirzone.net/hyndburn_singers or ring 01254 233168.