History made as girls join choir

The girls will take part in special events at the cathedral at Christmas and Easter

A centuries-old tradition has been broken with the admission of girls to the choir at Durham Cathedral.

At the cathedral's Sunday evensong girls will be admitted to the choir, which has been the domain of men and boys since 1640.

Twenty girls, aged between nine and 11, are joining the existing 20 boys in what the cathedral has called a "momentous development."

Durham has followed other major cathedrals in opening choirs to girls.

The dean of Durham, the Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, said: "It is not often that we can genuinely say that we are making history in a cathedral as old as this. But Sunday will be one of those times.

"It is immensely exciting to be welcoming girls into the cathedral choir and I am very privileged to be a small part of this great moment in the musical history of our cathedral."

James Lancelot, master of the choristers at Durham Cathedral, added: "The arrival of girl choristers is an exciting and momentous development into which have gone years of planning.

"Durham will continue to cherish the English cathedral tradition of boy trebles and men whilst celebrating the opportunities that girl trebles and men voices will allow.

"I am delighted for the cathedral and for the young people who are able to experience this unique musical training."