A conductor will be hanging up his baton after taking charge of a choir for one last time next month.

Ian Hooker will conduct the Amersham and Chesham Bois Choral Society for the final time after 34 years at the helm at their concert next month.

The group will perform one of the great choral pieces of the 19th century, Dvorák’s Stabat Mater, at St Mary's Church in Old Amersham on Saturday, May 9.

Mr Hooker started conducting AMCHOR in 1981 and has also been musical director of the Buckinghamshire County Youth Orchestra for the last 25 years. He was also head of music at Dr Challoner's Grammar School in Amersham for more than 30 years.

Sarah Vize, chairman of AMCHOR said: "Through Ian’s excellent musical leadership the choir has also performed with orchestras with massed choirs of young singers from Buckinghamshire. Many families treasure their association with these memorable concerts, the most recent being The War Requiem performed in 2014 at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury. Ian’s hallmark will be with us forever."

Tickets for next month's concert are available by calling Janie Taylor on 01494 721466.