MEMBERS of Ashford Choral Society will be joined by a French choir, the Choeur Lyriade 62 from Boulogne, for a performance of Mendelssohn's Elijah this weekend.

It means the choir will be about 200 strong with 100 in the orchestra for the performance at the Saga Pavilion in Sandgate, Folkestone, on Saturday.

The conductor, Mark Deller, is known throughout Kent, particularly for his work with Stour Music and, until recently, the Canterbury Festival.

A week later the Ashford choir will join their French friends for a repeat joint-performance in Boulogne Cathedral.

This year is the 160th anniversary of the first performance of the Elijah, which was first performed in Birmingham in August 1846. It was the composer's last major work and is regarded by many as his best. Mendelssohn died in 1847.

Tickets can be obtained from the Tourist Office, Ashford (01233-629165), Brandon's Music Shop, Hythe (01303-263108), Wye Newsagents and from Mrs M Wells on 01233-622081.

Tickets will also be available on the door. The performance starts at 7.30pm.