LAST August, the Bolton Festival Choir and Orchestra performed a newly commissioned work by local composer, Martin Lessons. The work, called The Song of the Queen's Beasts, was written to celebrate the Queen's 80th birthday year and a copy of the music and a CD is to be sent to the Queen.

The composer said: "It was a privilege to be asked to write it, and then have such enjoyment in the process."

Elizabeth Tatman, chair of the committee, said: "Not only did we commission the music but also the celebratory poem from U.A Fanthorpe.

"This was an ambitious undertaking for the choir and we would like to thank all the people who supported us in this project, including Bolton Arts Forum and the University of Bolton."