A Christmas refrain from 16th Century Coventry will haunt St Katherine's Hall as the Ledbury Choral Society performs its annual carol concert.

The choir will perform a whole range of carols from the late Middle Ages to the 20th Century, including the Coventry Carol, more than 400 years old and still a favourite with Classic FM listeners.

Coming almost up to date, to the last century, the 40-strong choir will also present John Rutter's Shepherd's Pipe Carol, alongside the special guests, the all-female clarinet trio A Touch of Wind.

The rafters will also be raised by Ralph Vaughan Williams' festive celebration, No Sad Thought, His Soul Affright.

The Ledbury Choral Society's annual concert, which is at 7.30pm on Saturday, December 20, has been a regular part of festive life since the group was formed in 1961.

Tickets for this year's event cost £5 each and are available from the Ledbury Craft Centre in the High Street. The price includes wine and seasonal refreshments such as mince pies.

The hall capacity is for about 100 people and the event is expected to be a sell-out, based on the experience of previous years.

Proceeds from the concert will go to the Eldersfield-based charity, the Glevum Farm Trust, which provides day and residential care for people with learning disabilities.

After Christmas, the choir will start rehearsals for a performance of Elgar's The Music Makers, to take place at St Michael and All Angels' Church on April 24.

Society chairman Mike Gorvin said: "That's the point when we will need more male voices."

The choir has a line-up of 40 members, but is in need of more tenors and basses.

Anyone keen to help keep up a strong Ledbury tradition should phone 01989 780256.