Keighley Vocal Union's "intelligent and well-tuned" performance at a prestigious festival brought it the first prize last weekend.

The choir's women's section won second prize in its class during the Mrs Sunderland Musical Competition in Huddersfield.

The success comes as the Vocal Union begins preparations for special events to mark its centenary year in 2006.

Adjudicator Brian Hughes said the full choir's performance of Elgar's The Shepherd's Song worked well despite it being a difficult piece of music.

He said the choir's other piece, an American spiritual song entitled Elijah Rock, was "rhythmic and precise in the climactic points".

Mr Hughes said the women's presentation of a new arrangement of A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square was firm, dramatic and appealing.

He said they "worked up a good head of steam" and gave a passionate and controlled performance of their other piece, The Wedding Ring.

Keighley Vocal Union plans to celebrate its centenary with a series of concerts throughout the area featuring famous singers, choirs and bands.

New members are welcome to join in rehearsals on Wednesday evenings at South Craven Baptist Church, Sutton. Phone 01535 655129 for details.