Attleborough choir perform at St Paul’s Cathedral

A Norfolk church choir was among a select group from across the world picked to sing at a prestigious service at St Paul's Cathedral in London at the weekend.

The choir of around 25 singers from St Mary's at Attleborough, run by well-known local butcher David Barnard, applied last year for one of the coveted slots at the Feast of the Transfiguration.

And after being auditioned the Norfolk singers were offered a place at the service, which took place on Saturday evening.

The choir performed music by CV Stanford and contemporary American composer Martin Lauridsen.

In the 11 years since Mr Barnard has been in charge of the choir, it has built up a tradition of singing at cathedrals around the UK, most recently in St Albans, Hereford, Guildford, St Edmundsbury and in Norwich.

Mr Barnard said: 'It is true reward for all their weekly efforts at St Mary's that they should get to sing at some of these great venues.'

The choir continues to sing regularly for morning eucharist and monthly choral evensong – last Sunday of the month – at St Mary's and has already secured a date next August to sing at Westminster Abbey.

Meanwhile, the annual open air Songs of Praise service at the Rural Life Museum at Gressenhall, near Dereham, is on Sunday August 14, 6pm (take a seat and service inside if wet). It will highlight the work of Fair Trade and speakers will be Frances Middleton and Jill Roberson.