A COMMUNITY choir is on the look-out for a new musical director.

Chester-le-Street Civic Choir will bid farewell to iis conductor of 30 years, Katherine Ottosson, later this year and needs someone to take the position next January.

The 50-strong choir, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, has a repertoire encompassing classical, sacred, world, musical theatre and modern genres.

It performs three concerts each year at venues in the town, and rehearses at Chester-le-Street C of E School, in Pelaw, Chester-le-Street, on Tuesday evenings between 7.30 and 9.30pm from September to July.

A choir spokesman said: “The director is responsible for directing all rehearsals, conducting the choir at rehearsal and concerts, working with the committee, selecting music, selecting and booking soloists and accompanist, where appropriate. The post carries an honorarium which is negotiable.”

Applications should be submitted to the choir secretary, Mrs Irene Cookson, 5 Ivanhoe Terrace, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3JB, by Friday, May 16.