THE compact disc has made its debut as a temporary substitute for organists at a North Yorkshire church.

Recorded choral music has been played to replace the regular organist, who is unwell, and a stand-in player, who has been on holiday, at St James's Parish Church in Grewelthorpe, near Ripon.

Hymn numbers are still displayed in the normal way but the congregation has been singing along with the recorded professionals.

There has been a mixed reaction but everyone agrees that recorded music is better than none at all.

Rector of Fountains, The Reverend Robert Sellers, whose churches include St James's, said the system was a temporary measure.

But at Dallowgill Parish Church, where they do not have an organist, the rector himself has stepped into the role and on other occasions a piano accordion is played.

A keen musician, Mr Sellers has established a choir to serve the whole benefice of scattered churches.

Meanwhile, The Reverend John Carter, spokesman for the Anglican Diocese of Ripon and Leeds, said it was largely smaller churches that were using recorded music.

He believes church music is thriving and said organisations such as the Royal School of Church Music are offering help to churches facing a shortage of musicians.