ORGANISTS across the area are being offered the chance to play one of the finest instruments in Ryedale churches as part of a celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The Rev Tim Robinson, vicar of All Saints, Helmsley, said the plan is to have organists playing for hourly periods between June 1 and June 5, with the exception of Sunday, June 3, to coincide with the church’s diamond jubilee flower festival.

All Saints is one of the district’s most visited churches and Mr Robinson said: “We expect to attract many hundreds of people which will, in turn, be good for businesses in Helmsley.”

Organists will be asked to play between 10am and 6pm, taking turns each hour.

Mr Robinson said: “Our Harrison and Harrison organ is a very fine instrument.”

The church is seeking sponsorship for the flower festival with “diamond” contributions of £200, gold donations of £100, silver ones of £50 and bronze at £25, ideally from local businesses, but individual donations of other sums would also be welcome, said Mr Robinson.

The flowers will be arranged by members of the congregation and friends of All Saints to celebrate the jubilee and help raise funds for the church.

Anyone wishing to donate is asked to email Mr Robinson at timr.helmsley@gmail.com

On Sunday, June 3 the preacher at the 9.30am service will be the Rt Rev David Wilbourne who was vicar of All Saints before leaving to become Assistant Bishop of Llandaff. The Clerks’ Choir will also be taking part in the service.