A Choir which has raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity may be forced to disband if a new conductor cannot be found.

Members of West End Choral Society, which has been running for 46 years, are desperately seeking a leader to guide them through the new season, starting in September.

Conductor Katherine Jones resigned from the post in May so she could spend more time bringing on talented child musicians.

The mixed choir travels across Meon Valley between September and April, holding concerts to raise vital funds for charities such as Rowans Hospice and the Elizabeth Foundation.

Deaf youngsters at the Elizabeth Foundation have benefited from the use of drums, pianos and triangles with funds raised by the choir.

A concert organised by their music teacher and choir member Mary Blow in April raised £200 towards the musical equipment.

Community fundraiser Alison Robinson said: "It would be such a shame if they had to fold. We had 70 people at our concert and it was such a wonderful and moving evening. They do so much good work."

Director of fundraising at Rowans Hospice Geoff Price said the choir had raised more than £1,500 towards nursing costs in five

concerts since 1999.

West End Choral Society was set up in September 1958 in West End, near Southampton, solely to benefit good causes and is now made up of 35 singers from West End, Swanmore, Bishop's Waltham, Soberton and Fareham.

The members get together in Swanmore Methodist Church each Monday night to practice and sing in venues across the area.

Their repertoire includes festive hits, folk songs and music from around the world.

One of its members, Eunice Matthews from Fareham, said: "We just need somebody with some musical background, a good sense of humour and a lot of patience."

Anyone interested in taking up the post should call Eunice on 01329 511513.