YOUNGSTERS from all over the Salisbury Diocese are being sought to join the cathedral's new youth choir.

The Salisbury Cathedral Youth Choir is set to launch under the guidance of Salisbury Cathedral School director of music Ian Wicks, following the success of the Junior Choir.

Currently, the Junior Choir caters to singers aged between seven and 13, whereas the new Youth Choir would be for those aged 13 to 18.

Mr Wicks ran the Junior Choir successfully for nine years, guiding them to an appearance on BBC Wiltshire's annual Carols in the Cathedral broadcast.

He said: "We have long felt that there was a gap between our vibrant Junior Choir and the accomplished Cathedral Chamber Choir that needed filling, and a need for more musical opportunities for talented secondary school students.

"We hope the Youth Choir will fulfil that role and keep young people singing."

The choir is open to young people across the Salisbury Diocese, which covers most of Dorset, including Weymouth, Dorchester and Sherborne.

Rehearsals for the Youth Choir will take place every Tuesday from 6pm until 7pm in the music room at Cathedral School.

The first rehearsal will take place on Tuesday, September 13.

Choir uniform will be black trousers or skirts and black t-shirts.

The Junior Choir will now be led by Susie Lamb, who has 20 years of experience running choirs in the area.

The choir is also looking for new members, with many of its current cohort set to move on in the near future.

Susie said: "I have lead many rehearsals and performances with them before so lots of the children know me already.

"My own daughter sings with the choir at the moment and absolutely loves it.

"Junior Choir is a good, free way for children to develop their musical knowledge and singing skills."

For more information on the choirs and how to register, contact Abigail Bray on scjc@salcath.co.uk or 07929 769311.