A NEW church choir's lone male voice has issued a plea for a man to join him to bring a better balance to overall performances.

The Rector of Fountains, near Ripon, the Reverend Robert Sellers, is still the only male member of the choir he founded - supported by nine female singers.

Mr Sellers started the travelling choir a year ago to plug a gap at special services in most of his rural churches.

But the rector is still seeking a second male voice to join him.

He said: "I need a tenor or bass, it doesn't matter which. I can sing one or the other but can't manage both at the same time."

Mr Sellers got the idea of establishing the mobile choir shortly after taking over the running of seven churches in his rural patch.

Churches in his widespread parish include those at Aldfield, Dallowgill, Sawley, Mickley, Grewelthorpe, Winksley, Kirkby Malzeard and Studley Royal.

The choir's double debut at weddings came at Studley Royal and Winksley.

Anyone wishing to provide extra male choral backing is asked to contact the rector on (01765) 658260.