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.

While employed at the ICI chemical plant in Blackley Mr Heywood married high school sweetheart, May, and began singing with the company choir.

He conducted Ramsbottom Choral Society for 10 years until, in 1965, he 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."

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