A CHOIR is on the lookout for new members to continue the singing tradition in a Durham dale.

Crook and Weardale Choir, which meets weekly, is hoping to attract new members as it prepares to put on a full performance of Handel’s Messiah.

Though the choir has had an influx of younger members in recent years, it is still hoping to attract new members to continue the tradition of singing in the dale.

Musical director Roger Kelly, who has been conducting choirs for almost 40 years, said: “There have been choirs in Crook and Weardale for over 150 years – they started in the churches and chapels and then became town choirs open to everyone.

“We have a great choir and are always on the lookout for new singers to join us. People don’t need to read music, only to sing sweetly and in tune, be able to learn a line and be ready to commit to just about every Tuesday in term time.

“We want people who are enthusiastic and will enjoy the choir, its comradeship and its music making.”

The choir has sung in venues across the region, including Durham Cathedral, Lindisfarne, Ushaw College and Lanercost Priory in Cumbria.

It performs around 12 concerts annually, which this year will include a programme of carols in December and all of Handel’s Messiah next May.

Practices start on Tuesday, September 15 at 7.30pm in St Cuthbert’s Centre, Crook.

The choir is opening the Ushaw College autumn programme on Tuesday, September 8 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £5 and the proceeds will go towards the restoration of the college’s Victorian gardens.