A MUSICAL tradition spanning more than half a century took its final bow in front of an emotional audience at the weekend.

Music lovers from across the North-East gathered to say a final farewell to Cockfield Methodist Male Voice Choir, which has been forced to fold after 55 years.

The choir, which was formed in 1947 and has performed at 200 venues around the region, has struggled to attract members, despite its reputation.

With membership down to only ten, the choir's conductor decided to disband and organise a farewell concert to thank its many supporters.

The concert, at Cockfield Methodist Church, in County Durham, attracted visitors from far and wide, as well as the choir's number one fan, Daughter of the Dales, Hannah Hauxwell, who paid tribute to the group's "endearing legacy".

She said: "I'm happy just to have been asked here to say a few words for Cockfield Methodist Male Voice Choir, which has been a big part of my life."

Miss Hauxwell chose a version of Abba's Thank You For The Music to be played to mark the choir's history.

It was Miss Hauxwell who brought about the choir's biggest moment, when they appeared on This Is Your Life in 1992, which featured the Teesdale spinster.

The appearance helped to increase the choir's popularity, and despite a dwindling membership, it continued to tour the area, playing at village halls and churches.

One member of the audience, Paul Dunn, 56, had travelled from Helmsley, North Yorkshire, to watch the farewell concert.

Mr Dunn, a farmer, said: "It's very sad to see the choir closing, because I have seen them perform on many occasions."