THE Sedgefield Lyric Singers celebrated their 30th anniversary with two performances of their concert String of Pearls.

Conducted by Jean Whittaker, with Margaret Taylor as accompanist, the choir delighted the large audiences with a wide repertoire.

The show opened with music by Verdi, Gershwin and Elgar, followed by four items from the youth choir, conducted by Sandy Clubley, with accompanist Robert Guest.

The seniors continued with a variety of traditional, English, folk, and show songs, ending with Rose of England and The Lord is My Shepherd.

For their second contribution the youth choir sang Chattanooga Choo Choo and Da Doo Ron Ron.

To mark the occasion the singers held a party that included a cake made by Audrey Lofthouse, wife of choir president and founder member Derrick Lofthouse. It was cut by choir chairwoman Elaine Bryant, who paid tribute to the many people who had contributed to its success.

Among the guests was the wife of its first director, the late David Garrood.

Other directors recalled during the evening included Sue Coates, David Jasper, and Sandy Clubley

Rehearsals will resume on Friday, September 10, in Ceddesfeld Hall, at 7.30pm.