PUDDLETOWN nine-year-old Matteo Placidi has been chosen for Salisbury Cathedral's prestigious choir.

The young alto was admitted to the famous choir in a ceremony during a cathedral service after beating scores of other applicants for a place.

Matteo, who has moved to Salisbury Cathedral School from St Mary's Primary School in Dorchester, previously sang at a church in Lower Parkstone.

But the youngster has had no formal singing training.

Mum Mirrella said: "He's doing very well and it's under his own steam mostly. Some children just have a gift, don't they? It's that creative side. His voice is lovely, but it's nothing to do with his family."

Mrs Placidi plays the piano and flute but said she couldn't sing, while Matteo's sister Gabriella, eight, plays the piano. Matteo, who plays the piano and has recently started learning the viola, visited the cathedral for a preliminary audition with the director of music, Simon Lole, earlier this year.

Mr Lole recommended he return for a try-out day, when he was selected ahead of a raft of other applicants.

Mrs Placidi said: "He wasn't nervous. I've never seen him so determined to do something in his life. Because he's musical and there's a lot of music at Salisbury he felt he fitted in there."

Mr Lole said: "I'm feeling very positive because we have welcomed a marvellous intake of probationers into the choir this year and the future is looking good.

"I'm very excited about the huge amount of talent, potential and enthusiasm in the choir. It is sounding particularly wonderful and I can only urge everyone to come to the cathedral and hear these young choristers singing."

The choir is holding voice trials on Saturday, January 18, for boys and on Saturday, February 8 for girls. For more details contact the cathedral's department of liturgy and music on (01722) 555125.