YOUNG singers from Wharfedale are being invited to become choristers for Bradford Cathedral.

The cathedral is seeking boys and girls to join its existing team which meets on Thursday evenings during school term-time.

It says the benefits for those who do get taken on include receiving a free musical education worth £1,500 a year and the chance to perform on radio TV and even in front of royalty.

Ilkley-based soprano Una Barry is hoping children from the town will give it a go.

She said: “It is vital, as part of its existence, for the cathedral to have a good and loyal team of singers to continue the choral tradition in order to enhance the liturgy it is required to perform daily.

“I would have given anything as a young girl to have been allowed to sing in Westminster Cathedral or any cathedral in London with my child soprano voice.

“Only by being a girl was I exempt from doing so but times have, mercifully, changed and in Bradford they are looking for boys and girls to be choristers.

“To be a chorister is wonderful training for the big wide world out there.

“Working as a team, getting things right, having fun - all manner of things to equip youngsters for the future.

“In the end it is confidence-building and learning to be of service through singing.”

Anyone interested is asked to contact the cathedral’s Director of Music, Alex Berry, by sending an e-mail to alex.berry@bradfordcathedral.org .