It will be the end of an era this weekend when a Chorley singing group take to the stage for the last time.

After more than 30 years together The Gleemen are hanging up their tuxedos after a farewell concert at Hollinshead Street United Reformed Church.

The Gleemen have played hundreds of shows, mainly in the Chorley area, but also as far afield as Dublin and Northamptonshire.

Over the last 10 years the 14-strong group have raised more that £13,500 which has been split between Derian House and St Catherine's Hospice.

Jeff Thompson, 73, of Claremont Avenue, who sings second tenor, has been a member since the group formed. He said: "It just seems the right time to end it now. Our love of singing has never wavered and we have sung at countless events.

"Among the highlights of our time together was sharing a stage with Ken Dodd on two separate occasions when he performed in Adlington and at the Little Theatre.

"We also sang alongside renowned opera singer Elizabeth Bainbridge in Eccleston."

Jeff revealed that members have had a tough time deciding which of their 130-strong repertoire of folk, barbers' shop and grand opera songs will feature at their final bow.

"We are stopping while we are still able to give a top performance. It will be emotional for us to see our family and wellwishers at our final show and I think all of us will have some happy, happy memories of The Gleemen," he said.

The concert is on Saturday, October 29. Tickets, priced £5, are available from the Information Centre, Market Street, Chorley.