SINGERS both old and new are going to help mark a Bolton's society's grand birthday.

For nearly 90 years New Rosemere has been holding its own in the town's amateur dramatic scene.

The operatic society is a second family for members in Bolton, Wigan and beyond.

And for its big 90th birthday next years the group are hoping to welcome a few new faces to its hold in time for its 2017 production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers.

As an introduction to the show they are inviting interested singers to join current and former members to join them for a Gondoliers sing-along at Deane URC in Wigan Rd on Saturday from 2pm.

Chairman Hannah Carolan followed in the footsteps of her father and sister to become a member at the age of 15.

She said: "Rosemere was started in 1927 by a chap called Pern Jones. He was a custom and excise officer who came to stay with friends in Bolton and decided to stick around and make a group of friends who liked singing.

"It was named Rosemere after his friend's house and after he died in 1975 it became New Rosemere.

"We are really pleased to be celebrating 90 years, it's s7uch a welcoming group.

"It's like a big family and a really friendly place to be and we hope to welcome more people to help celebrate 90 years."

The operatic group hosts just one concert a year and next year will be staging another production of The Gondoliers.

Set in Venice, the group staged the production at the Albert Halls back in 1998, with lead singer Derek Jackson building their very own Gondola which had a manual braking system, leading to some jerky moments as it drew to a halt at the landing stage.

Members old and new are invited to the Saturday 'Come and Sing' which costs £2 to sing or £5 including pie and peas.

There are no obligations to join the society on the day and new members of all abilities are welcome.

To find out more contact the society at newrosemere@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.newrosemere.com.