CARNFORTH Choral Society is 50 this year and staging a golden celebration on May 9.

And to mark the occasion the Carnforth choristers will perform Mozart's Coronation Mass and John Rutter’s Feel the Spirit, a cycle of spirituals arranged by the amazing Mr Rutter.

Down the decades the north Lancashire society has gone from small beginnings to a substantial 64 members with several conductors picking up the baton - Mr Piper, from 1965-1968, Betty Morrow (1968-2002), Helen Metcalfe (2002-2004), Robin McIlveen (2004-2011), and for the past three years, well-known musical director and former K Shoes Male Voice Choir conductor, Martin Webster.

Barbara Young has been the choir's longest serving accompanist from 1968-2010 with Richard Bromley presently at the piano.

Over the years CCS has collaborated with The Goodwood Singers, Lancaster Male Voice Choir, Flexitime and the Red Rosettes and its annual charity concerts have raised money for N W Air Ambulance,

St John’s Hospice, Lancaster, the Royal British Legion, Salvation Army, Home for the Hover and Breath for Life.

As far as repertoire is concerned, the choir's acclaimed performances have included illustrious works such as Messiah, Carmen, Carmina Burana, Peterson’s 3 Cantatas, Faure’s Requiem, Stainer’s Crucifixion, Haydn’s Creation, Gilbert and Sullivan’s Yeomen of the Guard, HMS Pinafore, Iolanthe, and a selection of Abba tunes.

Meanwhile, before the joyous 50th concert at Christ Church, Morecambe, the society is keen to hear from past members who have sung with, or have any particular memories, of the choir.

Telephone Matthew Patrick on 01524-732184.

New members are welcome.

For further information visit carnforthchoral.co.uk.