AN historic East Lancashire chapel will echo to the sound of Christmas music again this year -- thanks to major restoration work by English Heritage.

The annual tradition of carols at Goodshaw Chapel, Rossendale, was stopped when the 18th century building fell into disrepair.

Now, thanks to a £50,000 refurbishment scheme, the chapel will host a performance of 18th and 19th century carols by Larks of Dean Quire next Tuesday night.

John Simmons, English Heritage's project co-ordinator, said: "The chapel enjoys superb views over the Pennines but has taken a bit of a battering from the elements over the years.

"The most recent work has involved replastering the west wall which decayed in the damp conditions."

He added: "We have also installed a discreet lighting scheme which will allow it to be used by a wider range of the community."

The chapel, on the Burnley to Rawtenstall road, opened in April 1760 and cost local Baptists just £191 to build.

Some of the seating was carried over the hills from the chapel at Lumb.

Among carols to be performed by the mixed choir is one composed by Henry Nuttall, son of the chapel's first minister John Nuttall.

Jean Seymour, leader of the Larks of Dean Quire, said: "It is marvellous to be able to sing carols in the chapel once again and the choir members are looking forward to the evening."

Manchester architect David Shatwell, carried out work on the Goodshaw Chapel project and Roger Cooney, of Church Conservation Ltd, was contractor.

Tuesday's concert starts at 8pm.

Picture: Member of the chapel Harry Sidebottom and Jean Seymour admire the work carried out to restore the chapel to its former glory and (inset) the Goodshaw Chapel, which enjoys superb views over the Pennines