SWINDON Male Voice Choir and Swindon Opera are joining forces to perform a thanksgiving concert in memory of one of their members.

Len Edgell, a stalwart of both organisations for more than 20 years, was a familiar figure on stage.

He died earlier this year as a result of cancer.

"He took great delight in it," said Gordon Smith, concert secretary of the male voice choir. "It isn't so much a memorial event because he was never a sad sort of man. He was always happy."

The concert, on October 18, includes favourites such as Nessun Dorma, by Puccini; an American Trilogy, by Elvis; The Soldiers Chorus by Faust and the Pirates of Penzance from Gilbert and Sullivan.

"It is the kind of music he sang and enjoyed," said Mr Smith.

Proceeds from the show will be split between a charity chosen by Mr Edgell's family and the two groups.

"We plan to use it to buy music. Getting music for an organisation like ours costs ion the region of £200 a time."

The show, at the Methodist Church in Bath Road, starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £5. Call Swindon 822495 or 0285 861071 for bookings.