Mabe Ladies Choir will celebrate it's 85th anniversary and trophy winning history next Friday (25/6) with a special concert in Falmouth.

The choir's long history started when it was formed in 1931 as a Women's Institute choir with the Reverend Daly Atkinson as its musical director.

In 1946 the well known Cornish composer Edgar Kessell took over, before receiving an MBE in 1975 for his service to music, and he remained as musical director until his death in 1981.

He was followed by Myra Bennett, a former singing member of the choir who had been assistant musical director for some time. In 1999 Myra received the Gorsedh Shield for music and for her outstanding service to Cornish music she was made a bard.

When Myra retired her post was taken by David Burleigh and Bea Geddes, and six years ago Amanda Ward became the latest musical director.

Myra teamed with accompanist Rico Gerber to help the choir win county championships in 2012 and 2013, and the choir has also won the Edgar Kessell Gold Cup on many occasions, and become the first Cornish group to win the Gold Cup at Cheltenham Music Festival.

The ladies have also competed at Blackpool and Llangollen, and in 2000 they took the title of Bournemouth Music Festival Choir of the Year, as well as winning trophies at Wall, Camborne, and Cornwall County music festivals.

The choir performs a wide variety of music from Bach to the Beatles, and beyond, as well as having may talented soloists.

The anniversary concert will be held at Falmouth Methodist Church on Saturday, June 25, at 7pm, with guest performances from the City of Truro Male choir and Class Brass, and Bishop Tim Thornton as compere.

Admission is £5.