THE choir from St Mary's Church in Richmond recently raised the roof singing at a special service in Ripon Cathedral. The 25-strong group was invited by the cathedral to sing at a service of choral evensong while the regular choir was away – an event that was very well supported by the congregation and others from the town and the Fellmongers.

In the service the choir sang music by Yorkshireman George Dyson, William Smith of Durham and Vaughan Williams, all capably accompanied by Andrew Christer on the mighty cathedral organ.

Recently the choir has gone from strength to strength and has sung at events in the town hall, on BFBS radio in addition to services in the church. Choir members will also take part in a special choral festival at Durham Cathedral in October.

One of the choristers, Teddy, nine, said: "It was an honour to be given the opportunity to sing our beautiful music in Ripon Cathedral. I'm so lucky to be part of an amazing choir."

Mother-of three-in the choir, Gillian, said it was wonderful to hear her boys sing at the cathedral. Her husband, Scott, also sings in the choir. "Our boys love singing in the choir, not just for the music but for the friendships they make. It's a great thing for them to do."

Chris Denton, director of music at the church, was delighted with the choir's performance. "Singing in such a large building can be daunting but the singers were so professional and so committed to their performance that it was a real treat conduct them," he said. "I am extremely proud of them all. The cathedral authorities were so impressed that they immediately invited St Mary's choir back to sing on another day."

St Mary's Church is well-known for its annual service of Nine Lessons and Carols at Christmas, which the choir leads. This year's is on Sunday, December 16, at 6.30pm.

Choir membership is free and anyone interested in joining should contact Chris Denton via the church website richmondhudswellparish.org.uk.