THE saying goes that there is no such thing as a free lunch — but they are singing from a different hymn sheet at Bolton Choral Union.

The group is offering free singing lessons in a bid to recruit new members before the start of its 2015/2016 season in September.

The choir, which launched in 1887 and is one of the oldest established choral societies in the North West, has consistently put on successful concerts at its home in Victoria Hall and Bolton Parish Church, but in the last few years numbers have fallen from 100 to 60.

Those who join will have the chance to join the choir's Gala Concert in November with the Brixi Singers, the Ladybridge Singers and Eagley Band.

Publicity officer Stuart Barnes hopes that the free lessons will attract younger people to join.

He said: "We are all growing older and so we would like to recruit more young singers. We're a nice group of people and would welcome anyone who is interested in taking part.

"You would be joining a choir which has existed for well over a century and has provided the people of Bolton with concerts of a professional standard for all those years.

"Our programme for the new season starts with a Gala Concert in aid of the Victoria Hall and continues with a lovely Christmas Concert in the Parish Church in early December."

Those out of practice, lack confidence or are new to choral singing are invited to the pre-season introductory singing course, which takes place every Friday in August in St Andrew & St George's Church hall at 7.30pm.

Mr Barnes said: "The sessions are led by musical director Michael Greenhalgh who is a vastly experienced music teacher and will put new members at ease along with the other choir members.

"If you want to skip the lessons and join the choir anyway, then the season's rehearsals start on Friday, September 4."

To find out more about BCU then visit boltonchoral.org.uk.