THE musical director of a popular choir stepped down after nearly 15 years.

Helen Attfield has been musical director of the Belvedere Singers in Swanage for nearly 15 years and stepped down from the role at a recent concert.

She was presented with a bouquet of flowers and a bronze statue by the choir to say thank you for all her hard work over the years.

The choir has been running for 20 years and comprises a mixed group of amateur singers who perform regular concerts for charity in the Swanage area.

Mrs Attfield attended the Royal Academy of Music and has won many awards.

She has sung with the English Opera Group and in the world premiere of Benjamin Britten’s Death in Venice.

Mrs Attfield said she had enjoyed her time with the choir enormously.

She said: “It’s a tremendously friendly choir and they have reached a very high standard.”

She added: “I have very fond memories. What’s so wonderful is the friendship and comradeship.”

The choir makes a lot for charity and during Mrs Attfield’s time with the choir they have made more than £30,000 for good causes.