AN EAST Lancashire choir will raise its voice with singers across the globe as part of the world's largest, simultaneous singing event.

Nelson Arion male voice choir will on October 14 take part in the BT Voices for Hospices 2000 fundraising "sing-a-long".

Hospice supporters across the world will hit the high notes at 7.30pm local time to sing Handel's Messiah -- or at least the Hallelujah Chorus.

The event was conceived to sing the praises of the hospice movement, raise awareness of its work, and raise funds for local hospices.

The Arion, sponsored by Kelbrook aerospace firm Euravia, will perform a spectacular version of Messiah at Colne Municipal Hall.

The concert will be the culmination of a series of fundraising events at the hall in aid of Hospice Care for Burnley and Pendle.

"We are very excited about Voices for Hospice and have been keenly supported by the Nelson Arion choir," said Mark Sandamas, appeals and marketing manager at Hospice Care.

"The series of concerts has already raised a lot of money for the hospice and we are looking forward to taking part in the world-wide event to raise awareness of the work of the hospice."

During the last Voices event in 1997, 37 countries took part, there were 319 performances in the UK, and more than £1 million was raised for hospices.