THE unexpected resignation of a long-standing choir conductor has been described by members as "devastating."

"Well-loved" musical director Keith Heywood has bowed out from Radcliffe Male Voice Choir due to a serious illness in his family.

Mr Heywood's departure comes after 54 years' loyal service as the choir's conductor.

The Male Voice Choir is in its 98th year and was preparing for their 'Gala 98' concert in May. Members say that the event has unfortunately had to be cancelled but the choir will continue with other musical engagements later in the year and into the future.

Mr Heywood said it was "with much reluctance" that he has had to resign in order to more readily deal with a serious illness in his family.

Upon having to relinquish the baton after his 54 years, he said: "I feel privileged to have been musical director of this wonderful choir for so many years."

The choir said they were "shocked and devastated" at the loss but fully understood Mr Heywood's decision.

A choir member said: "Keith was outstanding; he was the easiest conductor to follow. The lads would have followed him to the moon and back. Our greatest regret is that he has not being able to carry on leading us at least until the choir marks its centenary in 2021. Keith will be missed."

Born into a musical family, Mr Heywood joined both his school and church choirs, and also sang in pantomimes and concerts from a young age.

By his late teens, Mr Heywood was singing solo performances in concerts, oratorios and cantatas with Bury Music Circle and was asked to conduct the community hymn singing in Union Square on Whit Friday.

This immodest start spurred him on to conduct at various church concerts, in addition to working with All Saints Operatic Society, Bank Street Players and Ramsbottom Operatic Society, among others.

Mr Heywood was employed at the former ICI chemical plant in Blackley when he married his high school sweetheart, May.

While working at ICI Blackley, he began singing with the company choir and taking professional voice training, all the while putting his conducting skills to use.

He conducted Ramsbottom Choral Society for 10 years and undertook three shows as musical director with Radcliffe Congregational Players.

It was through these connections that, in 1965, Mr Heywood was asked to conduct a concert of Radcliffe Male Voice Choir with Besses o’ th’ Barn Big Band.

Rob Peters, of Radcliffe Male Voice Choir, said: "There was only one week to go before the concert. Despite the time restraints upon him Keith conducted a concert with resounding success.

"From there, standing in for one momentous concert, Keith has never looked back. Fifty-four years is a remarkable record."

He was recognised in 2011 with the Edwin Kay Memorial Prize for Achievement, as well as for 25 and 50-year milestones with the choir.

Mr Heywood's final rehearsal will be Wednesday, May 15, at Radcliffe United Reformed Church, when a celebration will be held at 8.15pm.