THREE generations of one family hope to be in perfect harmony when they perform at a special event designed to get secret singers onto the open stage.

The Sing Weekend, organised by Blackburn People's Choir, aims to get people who usually serenade the showerhead to experience singing in a large group.

Choir members Pat and Jack Counsell, of Somerset Road, Rishton, have invited daughter Ann Worrall, 53, who lives in Buckinghamshire, and granddaughter Jodie Worrall, a 21-year-old art student at Derby University, to take part in the weekend's events.

Professional tutors will teach several groups of up to 15 people on Saturday and Sunday and their work is aimed at people who may usually only sing to themselves. Participants do not need to be able to read music or to have sung with a choir before.

Mrs Counsell, 75, said: "We find the weekly choir workshop so enjoyable we wanted to share it with our family, even though they live so far away. Last year's workshop was such an uplifting experience I want them to share the fun.

"It's a great excuse to get all the family together, because we don't see each other all that often."

Choir secretary Ann Parker said: The main emphasis of the event is on the fun and enjoyment to be had from singing in a group.

"We particularly want to invite those people who only sing to themselves, those whose families have told them to shut up so many times they think they can't sing."

The workshops will run from 10am to 4.30pm on both Saturday and Sunday at Darwen's Library Theatre. Tickets for the whole weekend cost £50, or £20 concessions, and are available from the box office on 01254 706006.

The choir meets every Thursday evening at the Borough Arms, Exchange Street. For more details call Ann Parker on 01254 260468.