While most of Ilkley’s residents were still rubbing the sleep from their eyes on a recent Saturday morning, 70 of St Margaret’s best singers were in church warming up their vocal chords with the aim of producing a fundraising CD.

By sunset, eight hours later, The Power of Music, a professionally-recorded disc, a mixture of secular and sacred music, was complete.

The idea of vicar’s wife Sue Gray, the project brought together the church’s three choirs – the seniors, SMS (the senior girls) and Cant and Dec, the 30-strong, fast-growing group which gives youngsters their first experience of harmonising.

One of the young singers said: “Recording this CD was very exciting and I’m really proud of it.”

The CD costs £8, and is available from the church now.

Contact the parish administrator on (01943) 607015 for a copy. Contact Sue Gray on (01943) 607210 or e-mail cantanddec@gmail.com for information about joining the choir.