Choirs have been singing in Britain’s  cathedrals for nearly 800 years.

The Wessex Chamber Choir, made up of Surrey and north Hampshire residents, fills in for professional cathedral choirs when they are off duty, such as during school half-term and summer holidays.

Recent venues at which the Wessex has sung include St George’s Chapel, Windsor, and Worcester and Chichester cathedrals.

The choir sings to a high standard but is a friendly and approachable bunch who enjoy singing lighter, non-church music at the two or three other concerts they do in the area during the year.

It is looking to increase its numbers and is inviting anyone interested to an open rehearsal at St John the Evangelist church in Hook on November 8 at 7.45pm.

Musical director Richard Stevens, formerly a lay clerk at St Paul’s Cathedral, said: “We would love to hear from anyone with reasonable musical knowledge – and some sight-reading ability – interested in joining our ranks.

“You don’t need to be a professional musician by any means. But you do need to have a working knowledge of music and the time to devote to rehearsing on a regular basis.”

Choir chairman Simon Thorn added: “We would particularly like to hear from sopranos and basses but tenors and altos are also welcome. If you decide it’s not for you, no matter. You can always just enjoy a glass of wine.”