A LONG-RUNNING Denbighshire Choir is on the verge of going out of existence unless it can find new members.

The Llangollen Male Voice Choir, first formed 38 years ago, has been left without a conductor and accompanist and does not have enough men to sing.

That is according to Lesley Willis, who is appealing to help get the choir back on its feet following a "lack of support" over the past two to three years.

“This really is our last chance to save the choir,” she said.

"It is hard to believe that this could happen in a town like Llangollen, which holds the International Eisteddfod. Many people say they don't know there is a choir here."

"It has been very sad to see the size of the choir dwindle, with not only the loss of older members, but some men joining other choirs.

"We are down to just 10 men and our chairman has to travel from Formby. Others have travelled from Congleton, Tarporley and Deganwy. In fact, only two of our choristers live in Llangollen."

The choir was formed in 1981 by six men in the front room of a local man, Les Wilson, with Peter Dennis Jones as conductor.

The group expanded and moved to The Hand Hotel where practice has been held ever since. In the past, the choir has grown to 36 members and has put on concerts abroad too - having performed in Malta, Holland, Canada, France and Germany.

Members have also taken part in several Royal Albert Hall concerts, which became the highlight of the choir's year.

Lesley says the Llangollen Male Voice Choir has thrown itself one last lifeline before deciding whether or not to call it a day.

"It is heartbreaking to think that if not enough men turn up to the Hand Hotel , Llangollen, on February 1 (7.30pm), this will signal the end of the choir," she said.

"We have had to cancel weddings and other small venues which would be ideal for smaller choirs, but without a balance of voices this is not viable.

"We have done everything we can to keep the choir going, but without support it is no longer possible. We need singers immediately.

Anyone interested in joining the Llangollen Male Voice Choir should Lesley on 07711293408. or David Smith on 01704 877325.