organ music has returned to Malvern Priory, after parishioners raised £380,000 to rebuild the instrument.

The Bishop of Worcester will dedicate the organ on Sunday (September 26), in what promises be a proud day for everyone who has worked so hard to raise the money.

Mike Selby, chairman of the Malvern Priory Organ Fundraising Committee, which launched the project in 2000, said: "People are absolutely delighted we've achieved our target it in such a short period of time. We had marvellous support from the parishioners."

Events held to raise funds included concerts and recitals, sponsored walks, coffee mornings and the Priory choir's O Praise the Lord CD, which sold more than 900 copies.

The new organ, built by Malvern-based Nicholson & Co, combines the best pipes and sounds of the 19th and 20th centuries with a modern design and construction.

"It's a marvellous demonstration of the skills and craftsmanship still required to produce a quality instrument," said Mr Selby.

"Malvern should feel extremely proud that it has a company capable of completing the rebuild of the Priory organ so successfully."

The dedication of the new organ takes place at a special choral evensong, which will be at 6pm with a short organ recital by David Newsholme, a Worcester Cathedral chorister who takes up an organ scholarship at New College, Oxford next month.

Evensong will be sung by Malvern Priory Choir, Malvern Priory Singers and Worcester Cathedral Choir. The cathedral's organist, Adrian Lucas, will play for the remainder of the service.

The new organ will also be celebrated on Saturday, October 16, when world famous organist and former Malvern College pupil Thomas Trotter will perform the inaugural recital at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available on 01684 561020.