AN expert organist who has broadcast on the BBC is to revitalise the choir at Upton Parish Church.

Paul Derret says he intends of making it a bastion of traditional Anglican church music.

Mr Derrett, who has nearly 40 years' experience as an organist, says he is excited at the prospect of working with a choir again.

He sees Upton as the ideal place for traditional church music, dating from the 1600s to the present day.

Mr Derrett said: "It's a particularly good area, I would have thought, for people in my situation who enjoy that sort of music.

"I know the town and I've been in the church before. It has a good acoustic and a fine old organ."

The 49-year-old, who recently retired as head of music at The Crypt School in Gloucester, has been organist at Christchurch and St Gregory's in Cheltenham as well as Shrewsbury Abbey. He builds organs at his Dymock home, has recorded a wide variety of traditional organ music and is a fellow of the Royal College of Organists and of Trinity College of Music.

Mr Derrett wants people who would like to join the choir to come to practice sessions. No musical experience or background is necessary, just enthusiasm and enjoyment.

"We're quite happy to welcome interested people and train them up," he said.

There are about 20 members of the choir at the moment and Mr Derrett wants to double that.

Upton Primary School is also being approached for potential members.

Practice take place in the church on a Friday, at 5.45pm for under-14s and 6.30pm for those 14 and above. The first performance, a carol service, will take place in December.