AN evening of musical celebration will mark the end of an era for a 50-strong chamber choir.

Alan Oyston is putting down the baton after 22 years as director of Durham Singers after tomorrow's Christmas concert, at Elvet Methodist Church, in Old Elvet, Durham.

The music will reflect Mr Oyston's tastes and influence, with JS Bach's Magnificat as the centrepiece, while the programme will also feature the chorus And He Shall Purify, from Handel's Messiah.

Stanley-born Mr Oyston has been steeped in music all his life, from his days as a chorister at Durham Cathedral, going on to study music and history at St John's College, Cambridge University.

A founder member of Durham Singers, he took over from its first director, Dick Addison, in 1984. He taught at Durham Chorister School, before transferring to Chester-le-Street Grammar School, and established a music department at Durham Technical College, which became New College Durham.

Mr Oyston became head of music at the College of Education, in Middleton St George, and on retiring from full-time education, in 1992, was principal of Stockton-Billingham Technical College.

During his 22 years with the choir, he has fronted more than 200 concerts, including many for charitable causes.

Proud of the choir's reputation, Mr Oyston said: "It has been a delight and privilege to work with musicians who are stylistically so flexible and quick to learn."

The concert begins at 7.30pm, when the choir will be joined by a chamber orchestra and Northumbrian piper, Kathy Palmer.

Tickets, costing £10, or £8 for concessions, including a festive buffet, are available from the tourist information centre, in Durham, on 0191-384-3720, or at the door.