CHOIRS, camera crews and choristers took over Castle Howard for a week as filming for Songs Of Praise got under way.

The stately home will be appearing on television screens in May with a special edition of the programme focusing on the stately home.

Welsh singing star Aled Jones will be presenting the programme, which features interviews with Simon Howard and staff at Castle Howard.

Nicole Hingley, media relations officer at the home, said everyone had been treated to beautiful singing throughout the week-long filming.

She said: "It was amazing, really.

"Music and singing could be heard from the Great Hall, the Chapel, from the Garden Hall and outside the Temple of the Four Winds."

She said: "It was magical hearing the sounds through the spring air. Visitors and staff said it was a pleasure to hear the choirs as the sounds merged with the tranquillity of the estate."

The programme is due to be broadcast on Sunday, May 5, on BBC1.

Updated: 11:20 Thursday, April 11, 2002