THE singing and music of Ampleforth Abbey will be celebrated among a wider congregation than usual this Sunday when a special Songs of Praise episode airs on BBC1.

Presenters David Grant and Sally Magnusson will be exploring the peaceful surroundings of the Abbey learning about the Benedictine traditions of the monastic community who live there.

The Choirmaster, Fr Alexander, will be teaching David about Gregorian Chant, the music used to accompany the monks in their daily prayers.

Sally explores the Abbey’s orchard, which has 2,000 trees and more than 40 varieties of apples, and tastes some Ampleforth Abbey Cider with orchard manager, Cameron Smith.