A PRIMARY school teacher is planning to spend 16 hours playing an organ in a bid to raise money for its repair.

During his marathon recital, in August, Neil Hedworth, 32, will play two verses from each hymn in The English Hymnal at St Cuthbert's Church, Darlington, where he is director of music.

This means he will be playing more than 1,000 verses on the church's 123-year-old pipe organ.

Recently, Durham organ firm Harrison and Harrison re-tuned the instrument and noticed that vital work needed to be done, which is believed could cost tens of thousands of pounds.

Mr Hedworth said: "Although the organ was rebuilt in 1987, several major parts were left untouched because the firm was not contracted to repair them."

It is the second time that Mr Hedworth, a teacher at Heathfield Primary School, has used his musical skills to raise money.

Two years ago, he spent ten hours playing one verse from each of the hymns in the Ancient and Modern New Standard. The self-taught organist raised more than £600 for choir robes.

He has played the organ since the age of 14, but did not receive any formal tuition until 1995, when he took a degree in music.

"I won an organ scholarship at the University College of Ripon and York St John and used to play in Ripon Cathedral" he said.

A jubilee concert in aid of the organ appeal is also being held at the church, on Tuesday at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5, including wine.