AN appeal has been issued to help support one of East Lancashire's most ambitious musical ventures.

Seven East Lancs choirs are set to team up with the Bacup-based 2nd Rossendale Scout Band for 'Brass and Voices for East Lancashire Hospice' on March 28.

But sponsors are required to ensure that the Blackburn King George's Hall spectacular, backed by nearly 300 voices, is a resounding success.

Promoters are hoping to raise £3,000 to cover the cost of hiring the prestigious venue and collect even more much-needed funds for the hospice.

Blackburn People's Choir and Vocalise Youth Choir will join Colne Orpheus and Nelson Arion male choirs, Nelson Civic Ladies’ Choir, Rossendale Ladies’ Choir and Rossendale Male Voice Choir at the gathering.

And the event will be a highlight for the centenary of the National Association of Choirs, of which Colne Orpheus and Nelson Arion were founder members.

Eric Beardsworth, spokesman for the choirs' organising committee, said: "The more we raise in sponsorship, the more of the ticket money goes to the hospice.

"The concert will be a high-profile event, and it’s the highlight of the National Association of Choirs centenary conference weekend at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel.

"Singers of all ages are taking part. There'll be a great variety of choral singing, and we hope to get support from all over East Lancashire."

Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire Khalid Saifullah will be in attendance and mayors and mayoresses from across the region have been invited.

Representatives from an array of other choirs, across the UK, are also expected to participate.

East Lancashire Hospice is offering sponsorship packages of £1,000 and £500, and businesses are also being invited to support a glossy concert programme.

Those interested in pledging support can contact Jennifer Quinn at the hospice via e-mail at jennifer.quinn@eastlancshospice.org.uk

Concert tickets are on sale now priced at £10 for adults and £1 for accompanied children aged 16 and under.

These can be ordered by calling King George’s Hall, on 0844 847 1664 or 01254 582579.

Tickets are also being sold over the counter at the Platform Gallery in Clitheroe.