ST MARY'S Church in Lymm is having a crisis in the choir.

New recruits are urgently needed, as the church has insufficient numbers to cope with absences, which means that the choir is unable to tackle new, more challenging and interesting music.

Members are worried that if more people don't join, the choir will, in time, simply wither away.

Michael Wasey, organist and choir director, said: "There is already the beginning of a 'chicken and egg' scenario. If we cannot practise and perform interesting and attractive music, we cannot hope to attract new members."

But in response to the crisis, Mr Wasey is introducing two new initiatives to improve the situation.

He is setting up associate membership, aimed at attracting members who can't sing every week, but may be able to sing once a month and can therefore join the choir from time to time on a voluntary basis.

Open choir practices will also be set up, inviting all members of the congregation to attend choir practices whenever possible on an informal basis, and they will be welcome to sing whenever they want.

Anyone who would like to join in with the choir can speak to Mr Wasey after any of the services or call him on 754265.