A CHOIR will perform a charity concert at the 2,000-seat Bridgewater Hall in memory of one of their former members who died of cancer.

Peter Kelly, a member of Rossendale Male Voice Choir for 28 years, wanted to fill the Manchester venue as a thank you for the care he received while battling stomach cancer.

Now his dream is set to become reality, but Peter won’t be there to see it after losing his fight against the disease in October 2006.

Charles Crowley, a member of the choir, said: “We all thought he was bonkers when he said he wanted to fill the Bridgewater Hall, a small choir couldn’t fill a big venue like this.

“But we’re pretty close to selling it, we’ve been rehearsing furiously and it should be a great night, to finally bring Peter’s dream to fruition.

“His family will be in attendance and it will be an emotional night for a lot of people.”

The choir, who will perform with the Black Dyke Band, hope to raise over £25,000 to fund a new scanner at Oldham Hospital, which is now part of the Christie programme.

Peter Beetham, another choir member and a long-time friend of Peter’s, said: “It sounded impossible at first.

“It seemed crazy that a local choir could book a world class brass band and, together with our friends from the Ladies Choir, fill the Bridgewater - but it’s happening “We have already raised a significant amount in sponsorship from companies and supporters in the Rossendale area and tickets sales are doing well.”

A Christie spokesman said: “It’s a brave and extravagant idea and we are grateful for what the choir are doing.

“Peter’s dream will help so many in the future.”

The concert will take place on Friday, June 18. For ticket information visit www.rossendalemalevoicechoir.co.uk.