A choir conductor was honoured at a concert at Bury Methodist Church which marked his 50th year with the baton.

Keith Heywood was celebrating 50 years as musical director of the Radcliffe Male Voice Choir at their 94th annual gala concert on May 16 when he was presented with an engraved glass compote and a certificate from the National Association of Choirs for his outstanding service.

82-year-old Keith, of Turton Close, Bury, took charge of the group in 1965 as a favour when his predecessor fell ill and says he has no plans to retire from the role any time soon. He is a former conductor of Ramsbottom Choral Society.