WHEN Mellor chorister David Woodward recently received his long-service medal at Blackburn Cathedral, his brother John knew just how proud the moment was -- for he too received a 40 years' service award back in 1987.

David, 47, of Fouracre, Mellor, accepted his medal from the Bishop of Burnley, the Rt Rev John Goddard, for his regular service to Balderstone Choir, attached to St Leonard's Church in the village, and was congratulated for maintaining the tradition of singing.

David's family was brought up in the village and he joined the group at the age of 17. He also takes a musical role in Balderstone Brass Band which plays a variety of music at venues and fetes around the Ribble Valley and beyond.

His brother John, 61, who also lives in Mellor, received his medal for four decades of choral service from the Bishop of Lancaster. He, too, began singing with Balderstone choir and remained with them for 17 years until he met his wife, Mary.

"Mary was involved with St Mary's Church, in Mellor, so I left St Leonard's choir and began singing in Mellor Church. I received the medal after 40 years for service to both churches," said John, of Hob Green, who looked after the landscaping at British Aerospace at Samlesbury for 31 years until he was made redundant.

David, also a tenor, works as an engineer with Cain's Brewery in Liverpool.

Both men thoroughly enjoy singing in their respective choirs and rarely miss a Sunday. Both choir of men, women and boys occasionally sing for weddings as well as special services at Christmas and Easter.

"People who do not sing in choirs do not know what they are missing. It is super, very enjoyable," sai John who added that it was thanks to the Sunday School teacher who had an ear for a good singer and guided prospective choristers towards the church choir.

And the family connections with the church do not end there. David and John's other brother, Frank, who also lives in Mellor is verger at St Leonard's, no doubt making sure that at least one of his brothers keeps in tune!