THE hallowed confines of a York church will be transformed into the city's latest acoustic venue - to raise money for our Guardian Angels appeal.

Church workers at St Paul's, in Holgate, are to clear away the pews for the evening to showcase a range of musical talent at its new bi-monthly Bridge Jam event.

Proceeds from the first gig will be donated to our appeal, which aims to pay for a new high-dependency unit in the children's ward at York Hospital.

Top acoustic performer Alex Willmott, whose album Hiding From Cars was well received locally, will headline the night, road-testing new material.

St Paul's community evangelist Matt Woodcock, pictured, who is organising Bridge Jam, said he was keen to make the church building more accessible. "From the outside St Paul's is not the prettiest of buildings, with the iron bridge next to us, but I don't mind being classed as the big ugly sister of the York church family because it's all about what we do inside," he said.

"We are blessed with a fantastic space, which will only get better once the current improvement work is finished. We are in the process of opening it up much more for community use and Bridge Jam is part of that.

"We already clear the pews away and transform it for a number of events and services such as our monthly café church' service and Fuse event for young people.

"In terms of the sound and atmosphere that can be created in there, I felt it would be an ideal venue for talented acoustic performers to show us what they can do.

"It's also a fantastic opportunity for us as a church to raise money for the Guardian Angels appeal, which is a great, worthy cause."

Manchester-based musician, Andrew Gordon, aka The Vincent Moss Experience, will also perform an eclectic set at Bridge Jam, including songs by the likes of Eels and Nick Drake.

Mike Sawyer and Rich Tull, two members of York's Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute act, Aynt Skynyrd, are also joining forces and influences to play.

They will perform classics from the likes of Van Morrison, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash.

The first Bridge Jam will be held on Thursday, May 10, at 7.45pm. Tickets cost £3 and can be obtained from Matt Woodcock on 01904 658820 or email him at matt.woodcock@stpaulsyork.org.uk