A NEW choir will perform its first concert this weekend.

Northern Voices has been made up from many former members of the successful Carol Andrew Singers following the retirement of musical director Carol Andrew after 23 years.

Northern Voices has more than 40 members. It has appointed Gillian Sild as its new musical director. Ms Sild is a soprano soloist and singing teacher, who has performed across the area in opera, oratorio, operetta and recital work. From 2005 until last year, she wasmusical director of Hartlepool Youth Choir.

Tony Gryls, chairman of Northern Voices, said: "We are delighted with the progress we have made over the past six months and look forward to performing to audiences across the area over the coming weeks.

"We are also on the look out for new members and venues to perform, so please get in touch with us if you can offer either, or both. We especially need male voices. If you think your voice is up to it, please get in touch with us and we can arrange an audition."

The choir's first concert will be tomorrow, at 7.30pm, in Staindrop Methodist Church.

It will be followed by concerts at St Mary's in Richmond on Saturday, November 26, at 7pm, and a Christmas concert on Friday, December 9, at 7.30pm at Northallerton Methodist Church.

For tickets, contact choir secretary Dorothy Creek on 01325-485844 or email info@northern-voices.co.uk Details can also be found at northern-voices.co.uk