KIDDERMINSTER Valentines will hold a concert in honour of Pam Cunningham, the choir’s founder and musical director, who died in January from ovarian cancer.

A special song in her memory, written by her brother and with lyrics by the group’s accompanist and acting musical director Morfudd Sinclair, will be performed by the Valentines.

Kidderminster Male Choir and Gwent Police Male Voice Choir, whose musical director is Mrs Cunningham’s brother Rodger Appleby, will also sing during the evening.

The male choirs will perform two pieces together before being joined by Kidderminster Valentines to end the concert with the emotional Speed Your Journey.

Proceeds from the event at Kidderminster Town Hall on Saturday, July 19 at 7.30pm will be donated to Kemp Hospice and Kidderminster Foodbank, causes close to Mrs Cunningham’s heart.

Mrs Cunningham set up Kidderminster Valentines in 1988 with the wives and girlfriends of Kidderminster Male Choir members who wanted to sing. The group, which now has more than 70 members and has performed all over Europe, can name Sir Tim Rice and broadcaster Peter Tomlinson as patrons.

Mrs Cunningham was born in Gwent in South Wales and moved to Kidderminster when her husband took up a job at Kidderminster College in 1971. She also worked as a teacher, specialising in music and religious education.

A statement from the Kidderminster Valentines at the time of Mrs Cunningham’s death said: "Everyone who knew Pam Cunningham had their lives touched by her love of music.

"As members of the Kidderminster Valentines we are honoured and privileged to have sung under her unique direction.

"Pam’s ability to impart to us the feeling and emotion of each song that we sang made us into the choir that we are today. She will always be in our hearts as we continue the legacy she gave us - the wonderful joy of singing."

Tickets to the concert are available from Kidderminster Town Hall or Judy Morris on 01562 751753.