AN internationally-respected organist will complete his musical homecoming at the weekend when he is formally installed as Master of Choristers at Durham Cathedral.

Daniel Cook was taught at the organ at the cathedral in the 1990s under the tutorship of sub-organist Keith Wright.

On Sunday, he returns to Durham as Master of Choristers and Organist to succeed Canon Dr James Lancelot, who has retired after 32 years in the post.

The Hartlepool-born musician, one of the original members of the voluntary Cathedral Consort of Singers choir, will be formally installed at a ceremony at the beginning of the cathedral’s regular Evensong service at 3.30pm.

The former pupil at English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College in Hartlepool, will be joined by four children at the beginning of their musical career - Gabriel Betton, Polly Bratton, Abigail Fraser and Nicholas Sharman – who are being admitted as new choristers.

The Cathedral Choir will be singing at the service, with music including Hubert Parry’s famous anthem I was Glad, and a large congregation is expected to officially welcome Mr Cook to his role.

The Dean of Durham, the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett says, “We are delighted that Daniel has returned to Durham Cathedral.

“The installation ceremony on Sunday will be poignant to Durham Cathedral following the retirement of James Lancelot. Daniel’s previous experience finds him perfectly suited here at Durham and he will be an outstanding successor to continue and build on the legacy of James.”