A GROUP of York choristers are ready to raise their church roof in celebration.

The four oldest children in the choir of St Olave's Church in the city have had a very good year with Royal School of Church Music Junior Chorister Awards.

James Sanderson, 12, a pupil at Huntington School, scored an exceptional 180 marks out of 200 in the St Nicholas Award, the highest award available.

His sister Ruth Sanderson, ten, and Zoe Bateman, 11, both at Hempland Primary School, achieved merits in the Archbishop's Award, and Jessie Acton, 11, a pupil at Park Grove Primary School, achieved a merit in the Dean's Award.

John Hastie, director of music at St Olave's Church, said: "All the children have worked hard for these demanding examinations, and richly deserve their excellent results.

"All of us at church, congregation and choir alike, are very proud of them."

Updated: 10:02 Wednesday, July 30, 2003