Halesowen Orchestra, which has players from teenaged years to their 80s, is appealing for people to join its ranks.

The amateur group is staging Elgar's cello concerto at Cornbow Hall in Halesowen town centre on Saturday December 9.

It is appealing for talented musicians to join up.

Member Julie Billingham said: "The orchestra is open to all ages - we have people right across the board, from in their eighties to teenagers, which is really nice."

It helped one of it's oldest members, lead viola player Alan Hughes celebrate his 80th birthday recently by giving him a cake.

The concert starts at 7.30pm and will also feature Haydn's symphony number 92 and Schumann's symphony number one. Martin Leigh will conduct. Tickets cost £6 (£5 concessions) Call Julie on 0121 500 0956 or visit www.halesowenorchestra.freeserve.co.uk Pictured: Orchestra members Alan Hughes, aged 80, and Charlotte Evans, aged 13 (470628M)