A CHOIRMASTER is appealing for boys to join the girl singers at St Mary's Church, Banbury.

Musical director Fred Riches said he was trying to re-introduce the tradition of choirboys as well as choirgirls.

Mr Riches said: "We have a dozen good girl singers, but no boys.

"We are planning a recruitment evening tomorrow. Adult singers are welcome too, but the session is essentially for boys aged seven to nine. Anyone interested should come to St Mary's at 7.15pm.

"The aim is for it to culminate in successful lessons and a carol service in December."

He added: "Wendy Green, the organist, and I will be running the course - assisted by adults from the choir."

Mr Riches said he was offering the boys the chance to continue a centuries-old tradition, and that he and Mrs Green would train young choristers in the skills of singing and musicianship.

He said the choir was affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM), and that 'Voice for Life,' the teaching programme of the RSCM, provided the framework for lessons.

Rewards for choristers include £5 gift vouchers for every ten practices and services attended. They also get £5 for singing at weddings. Fees for this autumn's ten-week probation course are £20.