A SINGER is still hitting all the right notes after an incredible 80 years in the same choir.

Richard Henry, 87, joined the St Mary’s Church Male Voice Choir in Oswaldtwistle as a boy soprano at the tender age of seven.

He later developed a fine tenor voice and has spent eight decades performing a variety of music including church pieces, classical masterpieces and his favourite Gilbert and Sullivan numbers.

To celebrate his efforts and his 87th birthday, members of the choir held a special social evening for Richard on Saturday night.

The former engineer said: "Some people think it’s wonderful but it is just something I have always enjoyed doing and I hope to celebrate 81 years next year."

Richard, of Swiss Street, Accrington, followed in his family footsteps when he joined the choir. His uncle Tom was a member, as were his late brothers John and Tom.

He and his brothers formed The Henry Brothers singing group and were featured on Opportunity Knocks with Hughie Green. Richard was also a founder member of St Mary’s Operatic Society.

He added: "The members of the choir have become my friends and we always socialise together. My family of two daughters, five grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren all come to listen to me sing, which is nice."

His other interests include playing bowls and snooker.

Choir member Les Rushton said: "We call Richard the father of the choir. He is loved by all the other members, many of whom have also been in the choir for 60 or 70 years. We threw the party for Richard because he has been so dedicated."