A DEVIZES choir ranging in age from seven to 80 has sung in one of the country's most prestigious cathedrals after receiving a letter out of the blue from St Paul's in London.

Director of music at St John's Church Chris Totney was delighted when his choir came to the notice of the powers that be at the iconic cathedral designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1673.

Mr Totney said: "St John’s Church Choir received a letter from St Paul’s Cathedral nine months ago inviting us to sing the traditional service of Evensong. News of their adventure spread to national radio, with both Classic FM and BBC Radio 3 wishing us good luck live on air on the morning of the performance."

The choir made up of 22 children and 18 adults was joined by ten more singers most of whom were past members. Around another 80 parents, relatives and church members also made the journey to London to offer support.

Mr Totney said: "The choir was complimented on a superbly executed performance by the regular worshippers and clergy of St Paul’s as they sang music by British composers William Mathias, Philip Moore and Sir Charles Villiers Stanford to a congregation of around 300 people.

"The choir has now sung services at seven different cathedrals in the past four years. It’s not every day that the staff of somewhere as reputable as St Paul’s come knocking at your door to present you with this kind of offer.

"The acoustics of the building are incredible and produce an echo of around ten seconds, so the effect is spine-chilling. The choir has worked really hard over the last few years to reach a standard that brings opportunities like this and the day will certainly live long in the memory of everyone who was lucky enough to be there.”

The choir rehearses on a Friday evening and is open to new members. Mr Totney said he felt TV programmes made by Gareth Malone had helped to make choirs more popular but he thought the main reason for people joining his was word of mouth. He said: "People usually join as they hear about it from a friend and want to become part of it."

In addition to special concerts the St John's Choir sings during the Sunday morning services.

Usually St Paul's has its own Cathedral Choir leading the singing but a spokesman said: "The Cathedral Choir consists of 30 boy treble choristers, eight probationers and 12 Vicars Choral - all professional adult singers who sing alto, tenors and bass.

"During Cathedral Choir holidays, and on certain other days during term time we are glad to be able to welcome visiting choirs to sing the services in St Paul's.

"In the past year, many non-professional choirs have come to sing at St Paul's - including parish churches, schools, colleges and concert choirs. Some have come from as far afield as Canada, Hong Kong and the USA."

To find out more about the St John's choir email christotney@gmail.com