A NEW musical director has been appointed for a choir and will conduct its comeback Christmas concert.

Ashley Thompson has been appointed as musical director of Maldon Choral Society.

He has worked with Maldon Choral for many years, mainly as accompanist.

He was chosen from several applicants to take over the role from retired long-serving musical director Dr Gillian Ward Russell.

Ashley will conduct the choir in a programme of songs and carols telling the Christmas story on Saturday, December 18, in All Saints’ Church.

Members of Maldon Choral are greatly looking forward to this event as it is their first Christmas concert in two years.

They will be joined by All Saints’ Primary School Choir.

As well as traditional carols which the congregation can join in with, Maldon Choral will be singing two motets from Quatre Motets pour le Temps de Noel by Francis Poulenc.

Tickets are £7 (accompanied children go free) online from ticketsource.co.uk, just search 'Maldon Choral'.

Or call 01621 333666, or purchase a ticket on the door on the night.