A LADIES choir held a concert celebrating the memory of their former conductor who died last year.

In 1970, when a group of young wives suggested forming a choir, Linda Milner was the obvious choice to lead it and the Leyburn Ladies Choir came into existence.

Under her expert tutorage, the choir performed countless concerts at chapels and other venues across the region raising thousands of pounds for charity and inspiring others to enjoy music.

Their summer and winter concerts in Leyburn became, ‘not to be missed’, annual events. Following her death last May, after some speculation, the choir decided they must continue to sing.

Conducted by the choir’s accompanist Ruth Biker, the concert programme began with a song written for and about the choir, remembering Linda. Solo performances were given by Pam Rhodes and Wendy Grannan, with poems read by Freda Foster, Kay Murphy, Valerie Harker and Sally Stone. During the programme, Mrs Milner’s son, Richard, sang a solo and her granddaughter Annabel gave a violin performance.

Her daughter, Leonie Garrard, gave the appeal for which £1,150 was raised, which will be shared between The Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the British Heart Foundation.

The choir recommence rehearsals in February and would welcome new members.