YORK Minster is mourning the tragic death of a member of its choir.

Songman Roderick Neal, 42, was found hanging in his home in High Petergate last week. Police have said there are no suspicious circumstances.

Minster spokesman Peter Lyddon told the Evening Press that Mr Neal had been a songman in the choir for about 20 years - one of nine adult males in the choir.

He said the position of songman was part-time, but Mr Neal also worked as the Minster choir librarian.

Mr Neal's funeral will take place at 11am next Monday, at the Minster, with the service conducted by Canon Glyn Webster.

"Obviously people are very shocked," he said.

"He will be sorely missed by friends and colleagues."

Updated: 12:11 Tuesday, April 23, 2002