A WORLD-renowned organist is to return home to an Eden village for a fund-raising recital.

Alexander Ffinch, who attended Ravenstonedale Primary School, is to play at the village's St Oswald's Church on Friday, August 4 at 7.30pm.

It is hoped the event will help raise money for the upkeep of the church's Harrison & Harrison organ - described as "elderly but good quality" by Caroline Morris, secretary of Ravenstonedale Parochial Church Council.

Mr Ffinch was brought up in Newbiggin-on-Lune, and he later attended Sedbergh School. A professional organist as well as a music teacher and college organist at Cheltenham College, he has played at high-profile venues around Europe, the USA and the Far East, and has performed at Cheltenham International Music Festival and been broadcast on BBC Radio 3.

As PCC secretary Mrs Morris explained, Mr Ffinch attended a service at St Oswald's last year, where he heard that the church's "steadfast regular organists" found the organ "a struggle" to play, and he offered to have a go.

"What followed was an impromptu rendering of part of Widor’s Toccata from Symphony No 5, much to everyone’s amazement and delight," said Mrs Morris. "As one parishioner put it ‘he made our organ sing’.

"Alexander is a professional organist used to playing on all sorts of organs but he agreed it was difficult to play and was in need of regular care and attention and he promptly offered to put on a recital to help with its upkeep. We are in for a treat…don’t miss it!"

Entry to the recital is free, but donations will be gratefully received and light refreshments will be served.

www.alexanderffinch.co.uk