A SERIES of annual classical concerts in Pendle from one of the country’s top orchestras is set to be axed.

The Manchester Camerata series see the chamber orchestra perform a number of concerts at the Colne Muni and ACE Centre every year.

But the future of the concerts are under threat, with Pendle Leisure Trust and Pendle Council considering ending the £16,000 funding to stage the concerts.

They have proved to be a big hit with lovers of classical music in recent years.

Peter Young, the former musical director and organist at Holy Trinity Church in Colne, said the cancellation of the Camerata series would be a “backwards step”.

He said: “I haven’t been to that many of the concerts myself because evenings are always rehearsals, but I had friends who went and they really enjoyed it.

“It had a very loyal following in Pendle and the concerts were very popular, I think it would be a real backwards step to stop them.

“They are a first rate outfit and are fantastic to see, it was a real treat to have them perform in Colne so often.

“I really hope that the concerts can be saved somehow.”

A spokesman for Pendle Leisure Trust said that the trust had to put forward proposals for savings to Pendle Council, and that a final decision had not yet been taken.

The orchestra, currently led by Hungarian musician Gábor Takács-Nagy, has two concerts lined up in Colne in the next months.

They will perform at the ACE Centre, on Sunday March 4, from 2.30pm, and at the Colne Muni, on Sunday April 29, from 2.30pm.