CELEBRATE 20 years of the Encore Singers with a special concert tonight (30) from 7.30pm at the United Church in Dorchester.

The singers' repertoire will include show medleys and songs they have sung over the 20 years.

This will include a medley from musical Oliver which was last performed at Weymouth Pavilion in aid of Breakthrough, the breast cancer charity in 1999.

Tonight there will be a retiring collection for the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.

Soloists will be Louise Dukes on the accordion and Hannah McFarlane on the cello with musical director Julia McFarlane.

The Encore Singers started on February 19, 1998 when 22 singers came to the first rehearsal.

The idea for the group came from Lynn Penman who found over 20 years ago there was a niche in the market for more lighthearted music in the Dorchester area.

Th singers are a friendly social group of nearly 50 people and over the years have raised thousands of pounds for local charities.

They are much in demand with many local commitments especially over the Christmas season.

If any charity would like support thought the singers holding a concert, contact Lynn Penman on 01305 787259.