St Mary's Church in Saffron Walden is recruiting young singers for both of its youth choirs.

The church has two choirs - Joyful Noise, for children in school Years 1 to 3, aged five to eight, and Junior Choir, for children aged eight to 12.

Hannah Razzell, of St Mary's Music Association, said: "Are you a keen and enthusiastic young singer who would like to be part of an established choir?

"If so, we would love to hear from you!"

A taster evening for both choirs will be held on Friday, June 9 in the Parish Rooms next to the church, in Church Path.

Saffron Walden Reporter: The Joyful Noise choir for ages five to eight is welcoming new membersThe Joyful Noise choir for ages five to eight is welcoming new members (Image: James Butler)

The Joyful Noise taster session will take place from 4pm to 4.45pm, while the Junior Choir taster session takes place from 6pm to 7.30pm.

Joyful Noise meets on Fridays at 4pm in the Parish Rooms during school term time, to play musical games, handbell and percussion, sing action songs and rounds, and enjoy songs from around the world.

There is no charge to attend, but donations are welcome.

The Junior Choir sings at three or four Sunday services a month, either a morning service or evensong, and at some weddings on Saturdays.

There are also occasional concerts and visits to cathedrals, and the children have their own social programme as well.

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Rehearsals are held on Friday afternoons, and the juniors are paid for practices and services. The choir is affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music, and the juniors work through the ribbon tests to achieve seniority, which is reflected in the renumeration they receive.

A statement on the St Mary's Church website says: "We offer a great opportunity for a sound musical education; you get to have fun and make new friends whilst learning some wonderful music!"

For more information on the taster events contact director of music Oliver King or Hannah Razzell from St Mary's Music Association at music@stmaryssaffronwalden.org.

Anyone who is interested in joining the choir but is unable to attend a taster session is still encouraged to get in touch.

Choral scholarships are also available, with more information at https://www.stmaryssaffronwalden.org/Groups/313290/Choirs.aspx.