A CLERGYMAN'S theatrical talents have been called on to help a city celebrate the Queen's golden jubilee.

The Dean of Ripon, North Yorkshire, the Very Reverend John Metheun, has been persuaded by Ripon Cathedral and Ripon Partnership to help with the celebrations in June and will direct entertainment to mark the Queen's accession, which will be held in the cathedral from June 3 to 6.

Dean Metheun has been earmarked director after his successful production of Wilfrid of Ripon - Saint, Cynic of Psychopath? at the cathedral, as part of the city's Spring Festival in 1999.

The dean said he had come under pressure for some weeks to take on the role and had been persuaded - "rather against my better judgement" - to direct the entertainment specifically to mark the golden jubilee.

Dean Metheun took part in student productions at Oxford, playing the title role of Cyrano de Bergerac at the city's playhouse, in addition to Thomas a Becket in Murder in the Cathedral by TS Eliot.

He is asking for anyone who wants to be involved front of house or behind the scenes, to contact him on (01765) 603615.

Auditions will be held on Saturday, March 16 and Sunday March 17.

Meanwhile Ripon Cathedral is marking the golden jubilee on the date of accession - February 6 - with a choral evensong.

The major celebration is on June 2 at 11.30am when a countywide congregation will come together for a jubilee service.