A SOPRANO who has had a "huge influence" on Stourport Choral and Operatic Society and helped to pick pieces for this year's Spring Concert has died at the age of 87.

Grace Evans, of Marlpool Close, Kidderminster, died on Tuesday, last week, of heart failure following a long battle against cancer.

The choir's secretary, Barbara Goode, paid tribute to the former music teacher and professional singer, who was the mother of the choir's musical director, Judith Standing, saying she had a "very big influence" on the group.

She added: "She produced Carmen, which was one of our big successes, and was always a leading soprano," she said.

"She was a big influence on the choir and very much loved."