David Green has been appointed the musical director of Stamford Choral Society following the retirement earlier this year of Paul White. Although Mr Green will not be taking over the reins until next September, he has joined the choir and will be singing with members under the baton of temporary director David Lovell Brown.

Mr Green, 44, who lives with his wife and two children in Uffington, is very excited about taking over the role with the 150-strong choir.

He said: "I am really pleased about getting the job and I am looking forward to starting. It will be quite nice to be standing in the back and being part of the choir and getting to know them.

"I have had one rehearsal so far. They were very welcoming and people were coming up to say well done."

Mr Green, who is director of music at Bourne Grammar School, was one of six candidates shortlisted for the post.

His background includes 10 years with the Royal Marines Band Service, director of music at the Plymouth University choir and of the choral society at the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth.

Stamford Choral Society is performing Rossini's Petite Messe Solonnelle on Saturday, December 20, at 7.30pm at Stamford School in St Paul's Street.

Tickets priced at £12 with concessions of £10 will be available from Stamford Arts Centre on 01780 763203 or on the door.