THE harmonious sound of a York choir at evensong is under threat if two new singers cannot be found.

The Parish and Guild Church of All Saints Pavement, in High Ousegate, is the last in York city centre to hold a traditional weekly sung evensong service with robed choir.

But two bass singers are retiring from the 16-strong choir, leaving a desperate need for replacements.

Without them, the choir will be unable to sing in four-part harmony, losing much of the charm and appeal that has helped it survive and flourish.

The choir divides to cover both the Matins service on Sunday morning and the evening service, with about a dozen turning up to each.

While a bass singer can cover the morning, ideally two new bass singers are needed for the evening.

The 6.30pm evensong service took off in the Victorian era, with the advent of gaslight, but since the 1960s, fewer and fewer such services have been held.

All Saints’ Pavement is now the last city-centre parish church to hold it, and one of a few left in North Yorkshire.

“We’ve picked up waifs and strays from other churches where services have stopped,” said Phillip Sangwine, the church’s director of music.

“We’ve really grown and developed in recent times. As well as singing hymns we sing psalms and choral anthems, like you would hear in York Minster.

“The congregation very much enjoy what we do and attendance numbers have increased in recent years from about ten to 25 to 30 people.”

The service has also won praise on a Mystery Worshipper Christian website.

“For a very traditional service it is very relaxed and friendly. We don’t want to reverse the progress that’s been made,” said Mr Sangwine. If you are interested in joining the choir, phone Mr Sangwine on 01904 781387 or 07949 730378 or phone churchwarden Dorothy Lee on 01904 647034.