Nearly 150 music lovers poured into St Mary’s Parish Church, Ross-on-Wye, for a stellar Sunday afternoon gala recital by top teenage classical organist Laurence John.

Laurence, who is just 18 years of age and has lived in Ross all his life, has been church organist for the past year, but leaves shortly to become organ scholar at Hereford Cathedral.

His supporters came from all over Herefordshire and parts of Gloucestershire to hear a programme that included serious and light works by some of the world’s greatest composers.

The entire one-hour performance was relayed on a big screen to the enthusiastic audience by the church’s director of music, Mark Sanderson.

Reverend Sarah Jones, said: “We have been so lucky to have had Laurence with us. We have enjoyed his playing more than I could ever say.

“It is absolutely frightening to think just how good he is going to be in four or five years time when his academic and practical music studies have been completed at the cathedral and university.

Laurence told the Ross Gazette: “During my time at the church, the goodwill shown to me and the support given to me have been unstinting. This is a way of showing my appreciation to everyone.”

He thanked everyone who attended the gala occasion, including those who had travelled from Bromyard, Leominster, Hereford, Tarrington, Gorsley, Newent, Walford and How Caple.

The retiring collection at the end of the recital raised around £500 for church funds.

To end the unique occasion, most members of the audience packed the church hall for a celebration cream tea.