A FUNDRAISING concert is to be held in memory of a much-loved performer who sang as part of a church choir for 78 years.

The event will be staged at St Peter's Church, in Stockton, on New Year's Day, as a tribute to long-serving member George Wilson, of Eaglescliffe, who died earlier this year.

His fellow choristers chose to honour his outstanding commitment with a special performance.

The Yarm Lane church choir's musical director, George Barber, said Mr Wilson was much-loved and respected and a very talented singer.

He said: "We were extremely lucky to have had him with the choir. A voice such as his could easily have led to a professional career in singing.

"George was well-loved by everyone for his wonderful singing voice, his friendly and jovial personality, for his genuine interest in other people, his faithfulness, for his devotion to church and choir and for the support he gave his family.

"He was a wonderful man and fervent Christian."

During the Second World War, Mr Wilson sang to troops stationed nearby at weekly concerts.

He alternated on these occasions with another singer, Geraint Evans, who eventually became famous as Sir Geraint Llewellyn Evans.

For many years, Mr Wilson was choir treasurer, and acted in a similar capacity as a member of the Stockton Musical Festival committee.

He organised the annual choir dinner and supported his beloved local RAFA club.

Mr Wilson's family will be present at the event, when his granddaughter, Ruth, who is an experienced singer herself, will make a guest appearance.

A programme of festive music is planned for the evening, with carols and chorales by the choir and orchestral interludes, including works by Edvard Grieg and Percy Grainger.

The Reverend Philip Ashdown, vicar of St Peter's, said the music was intended to bring fresh hope for the new year, and an opportunity to reflect on the contribution made by Mr Wilson over the years.

He said: "George was a lovely man and is much missed by us all."

The event also aims to raise funds for the church's nominated charity, the Lesotho Appeal, which has raised more than £2,000 this year.

Throughout the year, St Peter's has been supporting the appeal as part of a wider initiative, by the Durham Diocese, which has had links with the African country for the past 20 years.

Funds raised by members of the parish will go towards helping to improve the quality of life for people living in Lesotho, by enabling access to better medical facilities, schooling and jobs.

The concert, on Tuesday, starts at 6pm at St Peter's Church, in Yarm Road, Stockton.

Entry is free and all are welcome.