A FORGOTTEN folk song will be performed this weekend in the North-East village which inspired its author.

World-famous opera singer Ian Storey will perform the song during Picnic in the Park, in Hurworth, near Darlington, tomorrow.

The Hurworth Fox Chase is one of three folk songs Mr Storey will perform at the concert.

The songs form part of a CD collection called Northumbria Anthology, which has been created with the help of National Heritage.

An expert in North-East history has found thousands of songs and monologues inspired by the region and has arranged for various singers, including Mr Storey, to record them.

The CDs will be distributed to libraries around the region to ensure the musical heritage of the North-East is not forgotten.

Mr Storey, who is originally from Chilton, County Durham, said: "I just loved singing these three songs, and as there is one about Hurworth, I thought it would be ideal for the Picnic in the Park concert.

"I will be performing all three folk songs along with some well known opera such as Tosca."

Mr Storey will be joined on the Picnic in the Park stage by classical stars Suzannah Clarke and Kath Wilson.

Last year's picnic event attracted crowds to the village and it is hoped this year will be as successful.

Tickets for the event at Hurworth Grange cost £10 in advance or £14 on the night for adults while children aged five to 15 will be charged £6 in advance and £8 on the gate. For tickets, contact Williams Music Shop in Darlington (01325) 466224 or (01325) 720840 or 0191-3842071 or Darlington's Tourist Information Centre.

The event will be compered by Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo and BBC reporter Jim Knight.