Ripon Cathedral received a major donation this week from a northern charity.

It has been given £10,000 for the current financial year, and the same figure for each of the next four years, to fund a choral scholarship at the choir school.

Mr Kerry Beaumont, director of music, said the cathedral was delighted and honoured by this support for its music. Under his direction, the choir plays a role in maintaining and expanding the musical tradition of the Church of England.

The dean, the Very Reverend John Methuen, said: "Without support of this kind, from trusts and individual donors, it would be far more difficult to maintain our choir.

"Worshippers, pilgrims and visitors all benefit from the outstanding contributions given by the boys' and girls' choirs."

The cost of half a scholarship for a chorister at Ripon Cathedral is £4,455 per year.

There are 18 boy choristers and 22 girls, all of whom are eligible for a reduction in their fees of at least 50 per cent