A PARTNERSHIP that has brought cathedral music to a small rural community ends with a celebration concert tomorrow.

For the past year, St Anne's Church, Catterick, has paid towards the cost of a scholarship which enables church musicians to work in Ripon Cathedral.

In return, the church had the cathedral's organ scholar Tom Bell - one of Britain's best young organists - as its musical director.

The 19-year-old is preparing to take up a place at the Royal Northern College of Music, in Manchester, and Catterick villagers will have a last chance to hear him perform tomorrow.

"Playing at St Anne's has been a wonderful experience," said Mr Bell.

"The church has a fine organ and being given the chance to be involved in the musical life of a parish church has really enriched my time as a cathedral organ scholar."

The Vicar of St Anne's, the Reverend James Stewart, said he hoped the arrangement, understood to be the only one of its kind in the country, would continue in future years.

He said: "It has been good for us and good for the cathedral. Our contribution has helped the scholar to be self-supporting and, in return, we have benefited from Ripon Cathedral's fine tradition of musical excellence and enjoyed the verve and talent of one of Britain's best young organists."

The concert starts at 7.30pm. For tickets or information about how to become the next joint organ scholar call Mr Stewart on (01748) 811462.