SONGSTERS are fighting to save a long-standing tradition.

Members of Glazebury Choir -- who meet in a village church hall on the outskirts of Leigh -- decided to act when their future was threatened by a drastic fall in numbers.

After losing half their strength in an 18 months period, they decided to organise an open day to attract new voices to keep the group alive.

It will take place in the Methodist Hall on Monday, July 5, at 8pm and singers of all ages and ranges are invited.

The mixed choir was formed in the 1980s after the cast of a production of "Oliver" at Glazebury Methodist Church enjoyed the experience so much they decided to stay together.

Membership grew to over 40 but has recently dwindled to around 20 because people have moved away or been hit by other commitments.

Singers come from Leigh, Culcheth and Croft and former village postmaster, Bernard Wilson, still travels from his home in Rawtenstall to attend the weekly Monday practises in the Methodist Hall.

The choir, conducted by Pam Harrison, prepares two big concerts a year in summer and at Christmas, and has a wide ranging repertoire including songs from the shows, folk, popular and classical pieces.

Founder member and chairman, Allan Graham, said: "This choir is anxious to maintain a village tradition and not cease through lack of numbers. So let us endeavour to keep it going."

Member of over 20 years, David Ogilvy, said: "It is a part of village life. It is not just this choir that is struggling. Young people are not being encouraged to sing in choirs in schools and therefore numbers of choristers are falling.

"We are generally a middle aged crowd but we would love to welcome younger singers to come and join us at the open day to see what we are all about."