The Friday Lunchtime Choir will give a short preview of a work that will be performed by hundreds of schoolchildren next month.

The choir will perform songs from The New Chronicles of Mann from 12.30pm to 12.45pm on Friday 20th May at St Thomas’s Church, Douglas.

Entry is free but there will be a retiring collection in aid of The Children’s Society.

Maggie Richardson, Head of Music Service with the Department of Education and Children (DEC), conducts the choir, which is made up of adults from all walks of life who meet once a week to sing.

She said: ‘Every two years, the Douglas Buxton Music Trust and DEC stage Children in Song at the Villa Marina, with primary pupils from all over the Island taking part.

‘For the 2010 event, the Trust commissioned Lin Marsh to write The New Chronicles of Mann, which is about life on the Island. The work will be performed again at this year’s Children in Song on June 18th.

‘The songs are challenging yet accessible for singers of all abilities. The Friday Lunchtime Choir has enjoyed singing them and hopes people will join them to enjoy the beautiful music performed in such lovely surroundings.’

The Friday Lunchtime Choir meets at the Salvation Army Citadel during term-time. New members are welcome.

Tickets for Children in Song can be obtained from www.villagaiety.com or by ringing 01624 600555.