MALVERN Priory has asked the Diocese of Worcester for permission to award a £400,000 contract for repairs to its organ.

The appeal is making good progress, having reached £302,000 in just over 18 months, said organiser Mike Selby.

He explained: "The Priory has applied to the diocese for a faculty, which is necessary before we can place a contract with Nicholson's of Malvern.

"We still hope to achieve a contract by the middle of this year to enable the work to be completed by the end of 2003."

The organ has been deteriorating for years as many of its components are wearing out and allowing the air to leak out. Its condition got abruptly worse in December 1999, when it broke down during the Christmas carol service.

A recent concert raised £230 towards the appeal, when Priory organist Andrew Wilson performed a selection of works including music by Tchaikovsky.

"Despite the numerous problems which regularly occur with the ailing organ, Andrew is to be congratulated on making full use of the operative parts to give an interesting and enjoyable recital," said Mr Selby.

Further fundraising events being planned later in the year include a concert by Exeter Cathedral Choir on Saturday, June 1.

The choir's organist and trainer is Andrew Millington, a former Priory chorister whose father, who still lives in Malvern, was president of the Old Choristers' Association.

On July 12-14, a weekend of music is being staged at the Priory in association with the ESO.

The weekend will include a performance of Handel's Messiah from scratch, plus performances from the ESO's children's and intermediate orchestras.