A CHOIR leader today spoke of her delight that an historical chapel would be once again echoing to the sound of Christmas carols this year.

Jean Seymour, leader of the Larks of Dean Quire, said choir members were looking forward to performing at the tiny Rossendale chapel, which was built by local Baptists in 1760 and restored to its original condition by English Heritage.

The annual tradition of carols at Goodshaw Chapel, near Rawtenstall, was stopped when the 18th century building fell into disrepair and only recently has the tradition been restored.

Four years ago an English Heritage refurbishment scheme made the chapel safe and this year it will host a performance of 18th and 19th century carols by the Larks of Dean Quire on Saturday, December 12, at 6pm.

The work completed by English Heritage included replastering of the west wall which had decayed in the damp conditions and installation of a discreet lighting scheme which allows it to be used by a wider range of the community.

The chapel, which opened in April 1760, cost local Baptists £191.10s.4d to build. Some of the seating was carried over the hills from the nearby chapel at Lumb.

Among carols to be performed by the mixed choir will be Britannia composed by Henry Nuttall, son of the chapel's first minister, John Nuttall.

Mrs Seymour said: "It is marvellous to be able to sing carols in this chapel and choir members are all looking forward to the evening.

"Really, the building had become unfit for use especially after dark. Now, thanks to the new lighting, it is a lovely setting.

"Some of the carols may be unfamiliar but there will be enough for them to enjoy and sing along."

Richard Polley, English Heritage's head of visitor operations in Cumbria and Lancashire, said: "Refurbishment work has been detailed and painstaking but now the experience of visiting the chapel is very close to what it would have been more than 200 years ago.

"I am delighted that English Heritage has played a part in restoring the tradition of carol singing and am sure many people will want to take part in this special event."

The chapel is open free to the public by prior arrangement.