A CHORAL society which appealed for new members to help keep its tradition going following the death of the group’s founder has appointed her replacement.

The Redditch Choral Society, which has been entertaining people for more than 50 years, suffered a cruel blow when founder and director of music Alma Bright-Clarke died last May.

Born in Headless Cross Alma grew up surrounded by music and learned to play the piano from an early age.

In the early 60s Alma formed a choir called The Little Singers who sang at her garden parties which began her fundraising for charity Save the Children.

Alma founded the Redditch Choral Society in 1964 and over the next 50 years the choir went on to perform music from Haydn, Bach, Handel, Mozart, Brahms, Vaughn Williams, Bizet and many others.

Following her death the group said it was determined to continue her legacy and appealed for new members for 2018.

The society recently had its first rehearsal of the year and announced Emily Tyrell would be taking over as new permanent director of music.

Member of the society Bridget Quinn said: "Emily directed and conducted the choir as we sang extracts of ‘The Messiah’ at our Christmas concert and has stepped in to direct and conduct at other times when needed. Now it is official that she will take on this role and help the choir maintain its high standards."

She added: "We were delighted to be joined by three new members at the first rehearsal. We are always keen to welcome new members and our rehearsals are held at the Methodist Church, Crabb's Cross, Redditch on Wednesdays from 7.45 to 9.30pm every week."

Anyone interested in joining can call 07725893744 or email earl.carswell@gmail.com.