A CONCERT has been arranged to celebrate the life of a popular soprano with a Kidderminster choir who died following open heart surgery.

Peggy Lorbert, of Osprey Park Drive, Kidderminster, was 71 when she failed to regain consciousness after an operation which involved replacing two valves and a bypass in March.

But her friends and fellow members of The Valentines are planning the "happy" event at Trinity Methodist Church, Churchfields, Kidderminster, on Saturday, June 14 to remember her.

It will also raise cash for charities including the British Heart Foundation, which was boosted by about £1,000 following a collection instead of flowers at her funeral at the same church.

Mrs Lorbert - originally from Old Hill - leaves a husband, Josef, 76, a 50-year-old daughter Ericka, who lives in Lincolnshire, three grandchildren and a sister, Shirley Davenport.

She worked in a post office in Oldbury before retiring, when the couple indulged their love of travel by visiting a host of destinations around the world.

"We had a fantastic life together," said Mr Lorbert, who, originally from Austria has himself had five heart bypasses.

He added Mrs Lorbert had been with The Valentines for about 10 years and had also performed with Kidderminster's New Dimensional Experience Choir and choirs in Pedmore and Wolverley.

The couple had been married for 52 years and lived in Kidderminster for the last 16.

Tickets for the event are available from the Bible bookshop at the church, Natural Break in Kidderminster, Bewdley Books or from Pam Cunningham on 01562 630914.