A GREAT Harwood choir conductor has been making sweet music for almost half a century.

David Ashworth has been conducting the Great Harwood Male Voice Choir for 48 years and shows no signs of slowing down.

In 1945, at the age of 16, he began rehearsing with the choir as his father was one of the founder members.

David, 78, said: "I used to go along and listen.

"I was always interested in the music and how the choir members blended together."

The self-taught pianist and organist rehearsed with the choir regularly and in 1961 he was appointed conductor.

Throughout his four decades as head of the choir David has made a lot of friends and conducted a variety of choral pieces.

The former baker said: "I don’t have a style that I really like or dislike.

"I’ve conducted everything from classical and church music to gospels and each presents a different and exciting challenge."

He also conducts the Bolton Male Voice Choir and has had several concerts featuring both ensembles.

David added: "I have a lot of happy memories and we have done some brilliant concerts over the years raising money for charity."

The married father-of-two said he has a busy summer ahead as far as concerts go and he was not really considering retirement at the moment.

Choir member Terry Keane said: "David is a brilliant conductor. He is at every rehearsal on Tuesday nights.

"He is passionate about the music and men in the choir and there is a great sense of camaraderie which he has helped instill. We are lucky to have him."