A READING choir is celebrating a huge milestone as one of its members has been singing in the group for more than 70 years.

John Carne has been a member of Christ Church choir for more than 70 years after joining at the age of nine.

On Sunday, June 25, the choir is holding a special service of Choral Evensong to celebrate the milestone.

John joined Christ Church choir in 1944 when he was nine years old, following in the footsteps of both his father, who sang in the choir as a child, as well as his grandfather.

John sang with his own children when they joined the choir as choristers too. 

The choir will be celebrating John's amazing contribution to Christ Church by singing some of John's favourite music during the service of Choral Evensong and dedicating a brass plaque, to be placed in the choir stalls. 

John has chosen Sir Hubert Parry's 'I Was Glad' as the anthem for the service as it is one of his favourite pieces and one he has sung throughout his long membership of the choir.

John said "I remember singing 'I Was Glad' as a boy and it brought me such a powerful feeling of joy. Singing together with a group of people is such a wonderful experience." 

The bass singer was also treasurer of the church and a member of Christ Church Parochial Council for 50 years. 

The celebratory service will begin at 6pm on Sunday, at Christ Church on Christchurch Road.