New chorister scholarships are on offer at Old Malton Priory Church.

The church is looking to recruit a total of 12 children between the ages of seven to 13 to become choristers and join our team.

Director of Music Phillip Sangwine, said: "The benefits of being a chorister are well documented. Music stimulates the same areas of the brain used in numeracy and literacy. As a group activity, choral singing influences not only the mental but also the behavioural and emotional development of the child. Reading, social and organisational skills are enhanced through membership of a choir, and helps to explain the success that nationally many choristers achieve educationally and in later life.

"As part of the Priory Choir choristers receive a free musical education with tuition in the theory of music; specialist vocal coaching; sight singing training; the opportunity to gain awards and exams through the Royal School of Church Music; and bursary to support their instrumental or singing tuition. The best part of all is that it is all free.

The scholarship would be £240 per annum. This is split into three termly payments in arrears. The length of the scholarship is for up to six years maximum as all choristers finish their term at the end of the school year 8. All choristers serve a probationary period to develop the skills required for singing the church services.

"We would be looking to hold informal auditions interviews ASAP as we would want the successful applicants to start if possible during October."

For more information and to have a informal audition contact Director of Music Phillip Sangwine on 07949 730378 or prsangwine@hotmail.com or Rev Glyn Diggins on 01653 690974 or glyn.diggins@btinternet.com