A CHOIR will be forced to disband after 45 years unless it can find new members.

Derwentside Choral Society has performed at churches and chapels across the district as well as at Durham Cathedral, Hexham Abbey and Beamish Museum.

It started life as Stanley Civic Choir in 1962, but now its future is uncertain.

Society member Irene Hardy said: "The past 12 months have been very difficult for the choir, following the retirement of our musical director.

"We now find ourselves in a vicious circle in which we have lost members because we were unable to quickly find a new conductor but, at the same time, unable to recruit a new conductor because we can't offer him a balanced choir to work with.

"We do now have the prospect of a new conductor who is interested in the choir, but he is unwilling to commit himself to the current situation.

"We desperately need help to boost our numbers, in all sections of the choir, but especially in the male lines and, more especially, in the tenor line, otherwise the future of the choir looks pretty grim."

The society is also looking for people to help with its administration.

Mrs Hardy added: "We particularly need a new secretary, who would be responsible for the general running of the choir, including arranging venues, artistes and, sometimes, an orchestra for concerts."

Derwentside Choral Society rehearses on Wednesdays, between 7.15pm and 9.15pm, in St Stephen's Partnership Centre, South Stanley.

Anyone who wants to join can call Mrs Hardy 0191-385-2059.