AN all-girl choir has been introduced at Skipton's Holy Trinity Church for the first time in its 800-year history.

Music at the church is undergoing major changes, many of which come after a two-part survey sought the views of the congregation.

The survey reveals that there is some desire for a gradual introduction of more modern music and the more frequent use of a full orchestra, with string and brass sections.

But the most significant change at the beginning of this five-year development plan is to give girl singers in the congregation a fair crack of the whip with the formation of the female choir.

Rector, the Rev Adrian Botwright decided to approach his parishioners with the survey before going ahead with his plans.

He said: "Our intention is to maintain the standard of music associated with Holy Trinity while broadening our repertoire and offering more opportunities to our many musical parishioners.

"Results of the survey have confirmed a broad satisfaction with what has been achieved so far, and has offered encouragement to continue developments in the same direction."

Over half of the returned questionnaires filled in by parishioners came back with view expressing an interest in the introduction of a mixed-voice choir.

And, although a minority had concerns about how appropriate modern instruments like drums and electric guitars would be, the church has produced a hymn book including modern hymns.

This will lead to a greater use of instruments "other than the organ, ranging from solos to the full church orchestra".

The whole country will be able to listen for themselves how the music at Holy Trinity is developing, with the BBC's Songs of Praise coming from the church on May 17.

The regular congregation will be joined by Christians from several churches from the Skipton and Wharfedale area.

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