MELROSE Amateur Operatic Society opened its latest production with a fanfare.

However, it warned it is facing its final curtain call due to a lack of new members.

The society is celebrating its 80th birthday by performing Gilbert and Sullivan comic classic The Mikado at the Corn Exchange in Melrose every night this week.

When asked if this year’s production would be their last, President Elizabeth Wilson told the Border Telegraph: “We don’t know yet.

“No decision can be taken on the future until the AGM which is being held in June. All we can say at the moment is there will not be a stage production next year because we have canvassed the present cast and there was insufficient number.

“The final decision will be taken over the next few weeks with the whole company.” A limited number of tickets for what could be Melrose Opera’s last performance were, at the time of going to press, available from Holmes of Melrose, Cookware & Tableware, High Street, Melrose, or by visiting the society’s website: www.melroseopera.com MORE PICTURES AND REACTION FROM MELROSE OPERA INSIDE THIS WEEK'S BORDER TELEGRAPH - OUT NOW!