GRANDFATHER Joe Spencer is tuning up to receive a long-service award at Blackburn Cathedral tomorrow.

Retired electrician Joe, 72, of Todmorden Road, Burnley, is being honoured for 60 years' service in the choir at St Stephen's Church, Burnley.

He and his brother Clifford began singing in the choir as schoolboys. Clifford received his 60 years' service medal last year.

Joe, a tenor, who has also been a member of the award-winning Nelson Arion Male Voice Choir for 26 years, has been accompanied in recent years to church choir rehearsals and performances by his wife, Hilda.

He has vowed to continue singing after receiving his medal, and said: "It has been a pastime for me and I still enjoy it. I'm not planning on giving it up at this stage. We practise every Thursday and there is just one service on a Sunday now whereas there used to be two.

"It has certainly changed over the years. We used to have a lot more choristers but it's not as popular as it used to be.

"We have about seven ladies and four men in the choir but we have no children. That's the problem - they are not interested."

The Rev Brian Swallow, vicar at St Stephen's, said: "Through thick and thin Joe has supported the choir in the musical tradition of St Stephen's and is one of our key voices."

Joe, who has two married daughters, Gail and Linda, and four grandchildren, Jamie, Matthew, Laura and Hannah, will receive his medal at a special cathedral evensong.