A choir formed by mellifluous miners half a century ago, is to give a golden anniversary performance this month.

Backworth Male Voice Choir will be joined by its visiting German twin, Die Meigener Choir, singing at Beamish Museum, near Stanley.

Die Meigener Choir, marking its second centenary this year, is in the North-East for a series of celebratory performances.

Visitors to the museum's Methodist chapel can hear both choirs performing traditional hymns and religious anthems during next Sunday afternoon.

Backworth Male Voice Choir was formed by miners from the Northumberland pit village in 1951. It has 53 members, renowned nationally and on the European continent.