WHENEVER they take to the pitch, members of one of the region's most successful school rugby teams make sure they are always singing from the same hymn sheet.

Five members of the first XV at Durham Chorister School don't just sing when they're winning - the players divide their time between the rugby field and Durham Cathedral, where they are senior choristers.

So far this season, the team has hit the high notes on the pitch as well - winning all ten matches and scoring 489 points without conceding one.

On Saturday, the musical players will join their classmates for a concert at Durham Cathedral to celebrate 20 years of achievement by the school's music department.

More than 120 musicians will perform at the concert, which starts at 7.30pm.

The first half of the show will include solos from 11 former pupils, some of the hundreds who have passed their music examinations at the school over the last 20 years.

Afterwards, they will join past and present pupils, parents and friends of the school to sing Britten's cantata St Nicolas, accompanied by string orchestra, piano duet, percussion and the cathedral organ, directed by the school's director of music, Jennifer Tasker.

A spokesman for the school said: "This is a place where music and singing is never considered 'sissy'. Performing on the rugby field or concert stage are equally important and enjoyable."

Tickets, priced £8 or £5 for concessions, are available from Durham Tourist Information on 0191-384 3720 or on the door.