SCHOOL choirs will be performing a newly commissioned piece of music celebrating the history of the Severn Valley Railway.

Severn Rides for Severn Lovers was composed for the Kidderminster Choral Society by Geoff Cummings-Knight.

Mr Cummings-Knight, who will be present at the first performances of his work, is a well-known pianist, composer and broadcaster and writes music for films. He has also produced and presented classical programmes for local radio.

Wyre Forest Young Voices and Primary Chords are due to present a concert called March Medley on March 18.

The following day Kidderminster Choral Society will perform Mozart's Requiem and Haydn's Nelson Mass.

School choirs from Kidderminster middle schools will be performing the piece alongside Wyre Forest Young Voices and an instrumental ensemble.

It will be conducted by the society's musical director, Geoffrey Weaver, and includes songs and choral pieces in a variety of styles.

Ray Harrowing, spokesman for the society, said that it was important to involve young people.

He explained: "The society feels that we should cover all aspects of music and work with young people so we felt we should commission a piece of music especially for school choirs."

The folk opera is one of a number of events taking place to mark the 150th anniversary of Kidderminster Town Hall.

Mr Harrowing said: "The Severn Valley Railway is an important part of the town's history and nothing like this has been done about it before.

"It's a local piece of music for local people.

"It was something we wanted to do and the composer was keen to do it as well."

Kidderminster Town Hall will be the venue for the first performances of the work on Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5 at 7pm.

The society hopes the concert will attract a large number of local people as well as people interested in the railway's history.

Tickets cost £5 and admission for children under 16 is free.