A SPECIAL service in St George's Church, Dunster, was music to the ears of its congregation last Sunday.

The event marked the rededication of the church's pipe organ following a restoration and repair which cost almost £18,000.

The instrument, which is almost 50 years old, had been showing signs of deterioration over the last two to three years.

And following an embarrassing failure during a concert in February 2008, church leaders decided the time had come for an upgrade.

The contract for the work was awarded to Devon-based Andrew Fearn and the restoration got underway in April this year.

A ceremonial handing over of the organ key from Mr Beard to the rector of St George's, the Rev Lee Brant marked the start of the rededication service, which was attended by many people who had supported the fundraising.

Money spinning ideas included a 'sponsor a pipe' scheme, launched by the church's former directors of music Stephen and Chloe Kingdon.

The initiative appealed to both visitors and local groups and individuals, including Minehead Choral Society and the Minehead Male Voice Choir.

Grants from the Allchurches Trust, the Golsoncott Foundation, the ON Organ Fund and the Stephen Clark 1957 Charitable Trust helped boost the fundraising, while a concert by William McVicker and Alice Murray brought in more cash.

Parochial church council secretary Laurie Hambrook said the restoration had only been made possible thanks to the generosity and hard work of a large number of people, to whom the church owed a huge debt of gratitude.

He said the service had been a very happy occasion and a celebration in words and music.

Anthems by Thomas Mudd, Grayston Ives and Richard Lloyd were performed by the newly formed and fledgling choir.

Organist and director of music Ralph Franklin performed the solo on Fantasia on Be Still for the Presence of the Lord by Jonathan Reece-Williams, followed by a duet for organ and flute featuring flautist Sue Fletcher.

The service ended with a rousing performance of Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance.

"We want to thank all those who have supported us so generously and enabled our magnificent organ to speak out in its old resonant voice once more," said Mr Hambrook.

Although the bulk of the money for the restoration has been raised, church leaders have to find a shortfall of a few thousand pounds.

Anyone wanting to make a contribution can contact Mr Hambrook on 07860 127768.

Anyone interested in joining the choir should get in touch with Mr Franklin on 01984 632431.

Photo: Steve Guscott