St John’s Church in Wimbledon will be setting up a new Children's Choir, which will be run by St. John's director of music Michael Higgins who studied at the Royal Academy of Music.

Mr Higgins has has worked with the National Children's Choir of Great Britain and has collaborated with Gareth Malone, of the BBC's The Choir programmes.

He said: “When I came to the church three years ago there was no music at all.

“I like a challenge so I decided to start an adult choir. It has been so successful that we are now running a children's choir too.”

The choir, for children aged eight to 12 will be completely free and children from the local community who are enthusiastic about singing are urged to take part.

Choristers will learn music in a broad range of styles by the great composers of the past to the present day including music written especially for them.

Weekly rehearsals will be on Wednesdays in term-time from 6pm to 7pm and the choristers will sing once a month on a Sunday for the 10.15am family service at the church.

Unlike many church and cathedral choirs, the St John’s choir doesn’t wear long cassocks or robes, Mr Higgins said, adding for a service or performance everyone wears a special choir polo shirt.

He added the choir would provide children with a musical education as well as benefits such as learning about teamwork, self-confidence, concentration and communication skills.

For more information contact Michael on 07775 531016 or email music@stjohnswimbledon.org.uk.