THE curtain won’t rise again on Melrose Amateur Operatic Society.

Two years ago the group announced that after 80 years of performing Gilbert and Sullivan operas, its 2015 production of Mikado was its last.

Lucy Smith, the administrator, said: “It has taken until now for the necessary constitutional requirements for dissolution to be satisfactorily completed, and therefore, with great sadness, I have to report the final demise of Melrose Operatic Society.

"The Society’s archives will eventually be held by the Heritage Hub in Hawick.

"On behalf of the Society, I wish to thank all who have supported us over the years – musicians, patrons and public – for their loyalty.”

Money in the Society’s account has been distributed to Music in Hospitals (Scotland), John Leishman Memorial Trust, Borders Youth Theatre, Gala Water Singers, Langlee and Lauderdale community choirs, Abbey Consort, Eildon Singers and Phoenix Singers.