TWO celebrated choirs are to join forces to sing for a cause close to their hearts.

The Sing for Life Choir will be joined by the Thorpe Thewles Pop Choir in a performance to raise money for the British Lung Foundation.

Music fans are being invited to join the choirs at 7.30pm on March 19 for a performance at Bishop Auckland Methodist Church Hall, Cockton Hill Road.

The programme will include a selection of modern, classical and pop songs with the opportunity for the audience to join in. Special guest will be the mayor of Bishop Auckland, Charlie Kay.

The concert is organised by Breathe Easy Durham Dales, with proceeds going to the British Lung Foundation.

Last year the group raised £1,100, £600 of which was donated to the British Lung Foundation to help continue research and £500 of which was used to buy nebulisers to help patients treated in the community by respiratory nurses.

Breathe Easy Durham Dales’ chairman, Harry Brown, said: “Many people with respiratory ailments feel isolated and stranded so the group helps get them out of the house and mix with people with similar issues.

“The concert promises to be a great night out with musical directors Emily Smith and Pauline Plenderleith having the energy needed to get the best out of people.”

He said Breathe Easy had been running for two years and was proving to be a very effective way of providing friendship, mutual support and advice for people suffering from lung conditions as well as for their friends and carers.

The group meets in Bishop Auckland Methodist Church Hall on the first Thursday of every month, from 2pm to 3.30pm, with meetings featuring regular activities and a range of speakers, as well as meals and days out.

The group also organises an exercise class with instructor Barbara Dent every Tuesday from 2pm to 3.30pm at Woodhouse Close Church Hall.

The Sing for Life Choir rehearses in Spennymoor Leisure Centre from 1pm to 3pm on Mondays. Thorpe Thewles Pop Choir rehearses in the Parish Hall on Wednesdays from 7pm to 8.30pm.

For more information on Breathe Easy Durham Dales contact Mr Brown on (01388) 773652, Vikki Reed on (01388) 660995 or Lisa Wells on 0191 2630276.