TAUNTON Deane Male Voice Choir concluded its 70th season with a near sell-out concert at the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre.

Many supporters considered it to be one of the choir’s best performances in recent years.

The choir has made significant steps forward under the baton of musical director Nick Thomas, said chairman John Capell. The recent tour to Lisieux, Taunton’s twin town in France, and a concert in the cathedral there were among the highlights of the year.

Val Hill has stepped down as assistant musical director. She joined the choir as accompanist in 1964 and continued in the role while completing a distinguished career in teaching and directing the music departments at Weirfield and Taunton Junior Schools.

Only the briefest of breaks had interrupted more than 50 years of dedicated support. Her input had been immeasurable and contributed greatly to the development of the choir, said Mr Thomas. Val had previously been made a life member.