CHILDREN who enjoy singing can have a chance to lift their voices in the spectacular setting of Salisbury Cathedral.

The next auditions for youngsters hoping to become cathedral choristers will be held in the early part of next year.

Director of music David Halls said: “Becoming a cathedral chorister is a great opportunity for a musically talented child and the auditions are always an exciting time as this is where we look to the future of the choir.

“I am particularly keen to attract boys and girls from the local community and diocese and am very happy to meet children informally to sing to me and receive individual advice on how best to prepare for audition.

“We don’t expect to hear a fully trained voice but a child should have a ‘good ear’ and a desire to be part of the team. As we say to parents ‘give us the raw article and we will do the training’.”

The auditions are open to children in school years 3 and 4, with auditions for boys on January 19 and for girls on February 2.

All Salisbury Cathedral choristers are educated at the Cathedral School and all are automatically given Choral Scholarships worth 30 per cent of the fees by the cathedral. Parents may apply for specialist means-tested bursaries to further assist financially.

For further information call 07587 826622, email chorister.recruitment@salcath.co.uk or visit salisburycathedral.org.uk.