TWO renowned choirs joined forces for a special Sunday service at Durham Cathedral.

The Durham Cathedral Choir was joined by the choir of King’s College, Cambridge, for a sung Eucharist service yesterday morning.

The Cambridge choir is best known for its Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, which is broadcast on BBC television and radio each Christmas Eve.

The Durham choir also has a strong reputation in musical circles.

The two joined forces to sing Mass in E flat by the 19th Century German composer Josef Rheinberger, which was specially written for two choirs and draws on the styles of Gabrieli and Monteverdi.

The organist was Oliver Brett, assistant organist at the cathedral and a former King’s College organ scholar.

Church leaders hailed the service as a highlight of the cathedral year.

James Lancelot, master of the choristers, said he had no doubt it would go down in history as an especially memorable day in the cathedral’s musical history.