A MEMBER of the audience made sure the show went on by stepping in for one of the singers half way through a performance of Handel's Messiah.

Andrea Calladine, a professional singer and teacher, had gone along to the performance on Saturday to support her friends in the Bromyard and District Choral Society.

"The soprano, who has a lovely voice, seemed to be struggling," she said.

"But it was quite a shock when the conductor Richard Popple came and said she was wasn't well and could I finish it for her."

Mr Popple said the soprano, Alison Chryssides, had been suffering with sinus and throat problems and was worried about her voice throughout rehearsals.

"Alison was hoping her voice would hold throughout the rehearsals and the performance," said Mr Popple.

"But by the interval it became apparent that she wouldn't be able to continue."

Mrs Calladine had sung with the choral society in the past and had performed Messiah on a number of occasions, but rather than have weeks to prepare she only had a few minutes.

"I've taken on some jobs before when I've had a couple of weeks' notice, but never with as little notice as this," said Miss Calladine, of Long Compton Drive in Hagley.

The soprano had 10 minutes to warm up her voice in the ladies' changing room of the Bromyard Leisure Centre, before Mr Popple went on stage to announce the change in programme.

As well as singing with the choral society, Miss Calladine performed three soprano solos, including the well known I Know My Redeemer Liveth.

"I didn't really think about it that much, I just got on and did it," said Miss Calladine who teaches privately and at the Birmingham Conservatoire.

"These are standard pieces and they should always be there."

Mr Popple added: "The audience was very generous and enthusiastic, and gave Andrea a standing ovation."