The musical director and founding member of a Walsall choir which has performed all over the UK and Europe is hanging up his baton after more than 40 years.

Harvey Boucher was one of 11 members who set up Shelfield Male Voice Choir in 1968 and intends to retire in July.

But the 77-year-old, of Elizabeth Road, Walsall, is gearing up for his biggest concert yet this summer which is being held in his honour and will feature UK, european and world champions The Cory Band.

The retired engineer, who also spent years playing the euphonium in brass bands, says he still intends to sing with the choir but will be leaving his other duties behind.

The grandfather-of-seven, who saw the choir grow to 75 members at its height, remembered when it first started.

“We all came from musical backgrounds and sung in church choirs,” he said.

“We were in church one Sunday evening and decided to form this choir. “We’ve seen it grow and develop. I wanted to leave on a high. I shall miss it but I will still be singing with the choir.”

The choir rehearses at Shelfield Methodist Church, in Lichfield Road, and performs one or two concerts a month.

Mr Boucher has guided the choir to success in the competition field, with victories at Cheltenham, Blackpool, Tamworth and Brownhills festivals.

The former member of Aldridge Town Band and the RAF Band, has also led the choir on tours to France, Holland, Austria, Spain Germany and Malta as well as all over England and Wales.  Members have sung at Barcelona Cathedral and Montserrat Abbey, and helped to raise thousands of pounds for charities.

Mr Boucher, whose wife Sheila, 75, is the choir accompanist and plays the piano, added: “Performing at the Royal Albert Hall has been the most memorable.”

The summer concert, where the choir will be joined by The Cory Band, will take place at Walsall Town Hall on May 19.

Tickets are £12 and are available on 0845 111 2900.  Anyone interested in becoming the new musical director of the choir can call Roy Evans on 01922 682070.