BARRY Sharkey picks up the baton once again to galvanise the Westmorland Orchestra into action as it gears up for the first concert of the new, exciting series.

Rehearsals are apparently going swimmingly, with Barry stepping in to play Beethoven's Piano Concerto No 3, because, as so often happens, the soloist will not be available until the afternoon of the concert.

It isn't very often a conductor can perform that role.

Now into its 61st season, the wonderful' Westmorland's Saturday, December 3 (7.30pm), performance at Kendal's Westmorland Hall, features Lakeland favourite Anthony Goldstone, who plays Beethoven's third; Borodin's tuneful Symphony No 2 and Weber's Oberon overture.

Tickets are £11 and £9/children £5.50 and £4.50 and available from Kendal Leisure Centre's box office on 01539-729702 or orchestra members.

Other concert dates for the Westmorland season are March 18 and May 20.