A LONG-ESTABLISHED choir recently bolstered by an intake of new singers, sounds for the first time in public this year, on Saturday (February 16).

Shiney Row Male Voice Choir, which draws singers from across Wearside and County Durham, begins its 2013 programme in joint concert with the all female choral group, The Music Makers.

The concert will be staged at the choir’s home base, Trinity Methodist Church, off the A183 Chester-le-Street to Sunderland road, in Shiney Row, from 7pm.

It is the first of up to 15 concerts performed on an annual basis by the choir, culminating in a usually busy pre-Christmas run.

The choir has recently added fresh blood, bringing its numbers up to almost 50 singers, a mix of bass/baritones and tenors, under the direction of conductor Stephen Wroe.

But it is still seeking to add to those numbers, with any male singer, aged 16 - 90, regardless of pitch or ability, welcome to give it a try.

Rehearsals take place at the church every non-performance Friday, between 7 and 9pm.

Further information is available via info@shineyrowmvc.org, or by ringing honorary choir secretary Ron Wilson, on 0191-527 9734.

Tickets can also be booked from Mr Wilson for Saturday's concert, costing £5. Admission can, also, be paid on the door, on the night.