SINGERS will get together in a concert to celebrate the life and talent of Keith Latham.

Padiham-born Keith, who died last year, one day short of his 47th birthday, was known as one of the world's finest Verdi baritones and one of Britain's most popular singers.

The evening of song at St Peter's Parish Church, Burnley, on Sunday will feature music with which Keith was most closely associated, performed by many of the local artists with whom he had shared a stage.

There is no charge for the concert but donations can be made to the Joanne Latham Education Trust to send his daughter, Joanne, 18, to university to study music.

Singers who will take part will include (in alphabetical order) Judith Briscall, Joan Burniston, Dorothy Dawes, Suzanne Mather, Jean Mitchell, Heather Nicholas, Kathleen Wilkinson, Derek Gill, Jonathon Hollows, Jim Ogden, David Wilkinson, Nigel Wilkinson and Peter Wilson.

Nigel Wilkinson said: "Keith's death last year at the age of 46 shocked the local musical world. The line-up of local talents who are performing in this concert provides testimony to the high regard in which he is held.

"We are hoping to raise a significant amount of money from this event."

The programme will reflect the career and interests of Keith and include popular Victorian ballads and duets, Gilbert and Sullivan, light opera, songs from the shows and popular operatic items concluding with the Easter Hymn from Cavalleria Rusticana and the Holy City.

Mr Wilkinson added: "With so many of our leading local singers coming together for just one night it should be an evening to remember."

Keith was a former Accrington schoolboy whose voice took him around the world.

Although he sang at major opera venues throughout the world, Padiham-born Keith retained his local roots and lived with wife Lyn and daughter Joanne in Cog Lane, Burnley.

He continued to give strong and active support to local choirs and musical societies and was due to sing with Nelson Civic Youth Choir at a fund-raising concert at St Peter's Church, Burnley, days after he died.

Keith was educated in Padiham and at Accrington Grammar School and the Royal Northern College of Music.

He turned professional in 1986 and quickly established himself as a top opera baritone, appearing at major opera houses in Britain, Europe, the Middle East and Australia.

He sang with English National Opera and appeared with Lesley Garrett at London Coliseum.