TWO leading charities will pay for two additional choristers at Ely Cathedral from September. They will offer bursaries to boys aged seven or eight to join the Ely Cathedral choristers and the King s School. One bursary, offered by the Royal Masonic Trus

TWO leading charities will pay for two additional choristers at Ely Cathedral from September.

They will offer bursaries to boys aged seven or eight to join the Ely Cathedral choristers and the King's School.

One bursary, offered by the Royal Masonic Trust, is open to boys from any part of the UK and will offer financial support to a boy throughout the whole of his time in the King's School.

They will also pay for instrumental music tuition and, if eligible, will help with school uniform and travel costs.

The other, through The Bishop Laney Charity, will offer support to a boy throughout the whole of this time as a cathedral chorister but stipulates that the boy selected must live in the parish of Ely or Soham, or in the catchment area for the schools in those parishes which includes the surrounding villages

Paul Trepte, the cathedral's director of music said: "This provides wonderful opportunities for two young boys to join one of the best cathedral choirs in England. It is particularly hoped that there will be interest from parents who feel they could not normally consider such opportunities for financial reasons.

"Both these bursaries were established to enable any child to become a cathedral chorister regardless of social background or financial circumstance. These bursaries enable boys to be chosen for their ability to sing rather than their ability to pay school fees."

Ely Cathedral has one of the finest choirs in Europe and has been part of the English choral tradition since the 16th century although it can be traced back considerably further.

The choristers are heavily in demand and have embarked on world tours, frequently performing at venues such at the Royal Albert Hall and have appeared on many radio and television broadcasts

Anyone interested in finding out more should contact Paul Trepte before May 20 on 01353 660336 or via email at P.Trepte@cathedral.ely.anglican.org