THE Voices of Craven initiative will come to a rousing conclusion on Saturday.

Participants will take part in a Grand Finale Celebration Concert in Giggleswick School Chapel.

Since April, churches in Gargrave, Coniston Cold, Bell Busk, Settle, Giggleswick, Rathmell and Kirkby in Malhamdale have been encouraging parishioners to develop their musical skills, especially through singing.

Following the successful format of Gareth Malone’s very popular television programmes, the budding singers have been coached by Tom Leech, who is director of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Leeds Schools Singing Programme and musical director of the Bradford Festival Choral Society.

And, on Saturday, the singers will come together to perform en masse.

Local primary schools have also been invited to participate, alongside professional singers Bibi Heal, Alexandra Lowe, Douglas Bowen and Stephen Hogg.

The Rev Hilary Young, vicar of Settle, Giggleswick and Rathmell, said: "This is a really exciting community initiative. Local choirs have already gained great benefit from rehearsing together. We are excited by the potential of Voices of Craven and hope this could become a well established annual event within local parishes."

The concert starts at 5pm and tickets are available from Steph Bennett on 01756 748080 or email coniston@inbox.com