A CHOIR for cancer sufferers is joining forces with one of the world’s oldest brass bands for a Christmas concert extrava-ganza.

Besses o’ th’ Barn Band — which has had prime ministers and kings among its previous audiences since it was founded in 1818 — will accompany Bolton Cancer Voices to put on the Jingle Bell Sing-A-Long.

Bolton Cancer Voices was founded last year to give cancer patients and survivors the chance to express themselves through music and song.

Karen Elliot, who heads the choir, said they were looking forward to performing in front of a far bigger audience than they had been accustomed to.

She said: “There’s something powerful about sharing what we’re doing with other people.

“If somebody in the audience was to one day have to face the fight with cancer they might look back on that choir from Bolton and be inspired that life does not stop with diagnosis.

“We can’t change what has happened in people’s lives but we can give people focus and provide them with something to work towards.”

Ms Elliot also recalled the days of the Bolton’s showpiece Victoria Hall — famous for its acoustics — being packed and was hopeful that it could be filled again.

She added: “There is nothing like the sound of applause in your ears and that’s what we want to give our members.”

The chairman of seven-time British Open champions Besses, Matt Bailey, said he was looking forward to what promises to be a great evening.

He said: “Joining Bolton Cancer Voices was an easy decision. Audience partici-pation events are always very popular and it’s great to have been offered the opportunity to play alongside such a unique choir.”

The concert will take place in the Victoria Hall on December 7 and tickets are £5. To book call 01204 334400.