Darlington Choral Society elected a new chairman at its annual general meeting.

Kathleen Bryant took over the post this month following the resignation due to ill health of Maureen Lumley.

Miss Lumley, a member of the society for more than 50 years and chairman for 20 years, hopes to return to sing next year.

Mrs Bryant reported arrangements for the group's Christmas programme, which will be Haydn Paukenmess and Charpentier Te Deum at Darlington Dolphin Centre on Saturday, December 13. The Dolphin Centre will also be the venue for Mozart Requiem and Rutter Magnificat on Saturday, April 3, for the society's Easter programme.

The choral society, formed in 1856, has about 100 members. Annual membership fees are £40. Anyone interested in joining the group is welcome to rehearsals, held on Wednesdays during term time, from 7.30pm, at Corporation Road School, Darlington.