A POIGNANT chord will be struck in Osmotherley next month when the organ at St Peter's Church is played for the last time.

Now beyond repair, it is to be replaced with one rescued from a Methodist church in Whitehaven which will cost £40,000 to install.

Two local benefactors have given £30,000 towards the cost and fundraising events are planned to bring in the remainder, including promenade concerts throughout the summer.

The final call on the old organ takes place on May 9 when it will be de-commissioned before its removal. The concert will feature performers from Ampleforth College.

"It is sad to see it go as it has served us well for a long time," said Mike Hunter, director of music and former organist.

Parts will be put up for sale as mementoes.

The replacement organ is from a chapel that closed several years ago. Developers were about to demolish the building when the organ was spotted.

"We were almost too late to rescue it," said Mr Hunter, organist at St Peter's more than 15 years ago who said he might take up the job again.

Volunteers will start to install the replacement organ immediately after the May 9 concert. It is larger than the present one, and some modifications will be needed before it fits into the chamber space.

By a coincidence, the instrument was the last made in Huddersfield in 1894 by James Conacher before his sons took over the business in the same year that St Peter's added its south aisle.

Churchwarden David Black, who is in charge of fundraising, said: "We were going to try to repair the organ but an assessment said it was beyond repair, so May 9 will be the last chance to hear it."

Mr Black said some bids for grants had been successful.

The vicar, the Rev Alan Dodds, said: "We owe an awful lot to the two benefactors. The church is listed and because of its history, the diocese says we have to have a pipe organ."

"We have to make use of it," said Mr Black, "hence the concerts. We would like to open our music up to a wider audience."