The choir that taught pop star Gareth Gates how to sing is on a recruitment drive.

Andrew Teague, Bradford Cathedral's new organist and master of choristers, is on the look-out for new voices of angels... oh, and male tenors and bassists.

Recruits who pass an audition will have the chance of singing side-by-side with Gareth's two sisters, with chances to tour abroad and make recordings with the choir.

Mr Teague said: "We are trying to give boys and girls, particularly from the city, the musical and educational opportunity to develop their musical talents through singing and being part of a team.

"It is generally recognised that people who have received music training in cathedral choirs go on to achieve great things later in life - as Gareth has shown.

"We are very keen to attract families to the choir - it is a great family opportunity."

The recruitment drive is part of a campaign instigated by the Dean of Bradford, Dr Chris Hancock, to open up the cathedral to all.

Another part of that is a series of lunchtime organ recitals, which are held on the last Wednesday of each month and started yesterday.

Mr Teague, formally of St Matthew's Church, Ottawa, Canada, and St Peter's Church, Nottingham, performed a recital in front of an audience of about 30 people.

For the next recital on Wednesday, June 25, he will play music by a number of Yorkshire composers, including Kenneth Leighton, Francis Jackson, Edward Bairstow and Reginald Porter Brown.

The recital on July 30 will feature assistant organist Martin Baker and Mr Teague's 18-year-old son Timothy, who shares his father's love for playing the cathedral organ.

As well as the monthly recitals, which all start at 1pm, Mr Teague will direct the choir and play the organ at the weekly Sunday services at 10am and 6.30pm, with a mid-week service at 5.15pm and further recital programmes planned for the future.

Anyone who is interested in auditioning for the Cathedral Choir, and giving Gareth Gates a run for his money, should call Mr Teague on (01274) 777720.

l Floral displays at Bradford Cathedral will raise funds for a cancer charity.

The Celebration of Life flower festival will boost the Bradford Macmillan Appeal which is raising cash for specialist cancer nurses.

The event will be held in the beautiful surroundings of Bradford Cathedral on Saturday, June 14, from 10am to 4pm, and Sunday, June 15, from 12.30pm to 4pm, and with fragrant displays arranged by Bradford Flower Club.

Money raised will help provide five specialist Macmillan nurses and an ethnic minorities liaison worker for the Bradford area.

The posts will work alongside existing teams, providing care and advice on symptom control, emotional, psychological and social support and liaison for patients, their families and carers.

The West Yorkshire Police Brass Band will play on the Sunday between 1pm and 3pm.

The appeal office can be contacted on (01274) 365905.