A CHOIR will be singing Happy Birthday to itself later this month — as it celebrates 90 years of song.

Rossendale Male Voice Choir, formed in 1924 by legendary conductor Fred Tomlinson, will host a special concert to mark the occasion on September 20.

St Mary’s Church, in Rawtenstall, will host the award-winning choir , which has put ‘Rossendale firmly on the international music map’.

The late Mr Tomlinson, who held the baton for 52 years, was made an MBE for his services to music in the Valley and the choir has had just five conductors since his retirement.

Philip Shuker, the choir’s spokesperson, said the 90th birthday would never have looked likely after its ‘inauspicious’ beginnings.

He said: “Many members came from a local choral group that went bust. Fortunately, due largely to the extraordinary talents of its founding conductor Fred Tomlinson, the choir quickly grew and prospered, putting Rossendale firmly on the international music map.

“We are four-time winners of the Llangollen International Musical Eistedd- fod and winners of most of the prestigious music festivals plus European tours.

“The list goes on, but not forgetting concerts with musical legends such as Norman Allin, Geraint Evans and Norma Proctor and brass bands like Black Dyke Mills and Fairey Aviation.”

Fred Tomlinson’s son, Ernest, took over from his father in 1976 and in 1981 he handed the baton on to Beatrice Wade, who led the choir for the next 24 years until her retirement. Dorothy Stoddard and Dennis Kay both directed the choir for short periods before current incumbent, Kate Shipway, took over in November 2009.

Mr Shuker said: “All added their own touches, but Fred’s legacy remains. The music may have changed — Abba and the Beatles weren’t born in 1924 — but musical excellence and Lancastrian enthusiasm remain.”

The 90th birthday concert will take place at St Mary’s Church on September 20 from 7 30pm.

Tickets, priced £7 including refreshments, are available from members or by visiting www.rossendalemalevoicechoir.org.uk