THE Church of England in Lancashire has appointed a new co-ordinator to oversee a £249,530 drive to start 24 new choirs across the county.

Dr Rebekah Okpoti will be based at Blackburn Cathedral as part of a major project to start up to 24 new congregations by 2026 in parishes and working alongside local schools.

The aim is for at least 25 children to become part of each Choir Church and learn hymns and anthems from the English choral tradition.

Dr Okpoti has been appointed as Choir Church Coordinator by Blackburn Cathedral and The Choir Church Foundation.

A total of £249,530 was awarded to Blackburn Diocese by the national church to fund and get the project off the ground – the largest Choir Church initiative ever attempted.

Dr Okpotie lectures and researches in musicology at Liverpool Hope University. She is Associate Organist at Leeds Cathedral as well as being organist for St Paul's in Longridge

She will work alongside John Robinson, director of music at Blackburn Cathedral.

Dr Okpoti said: “It is such a privilege to be part of the Choir Church initiative for Blackburn Diocese and based at the cathedral.

“Choir Church is much more than singing excellent choral music to instil faith; it will also support local parishes and church schools to fully realize and revitalise the spiritual life as well as the practical needs of families who may be struggling in these difficult times."

The Acting Bishop of Blackburn and Bishop of Burnley the Rt Rev. Philip North said “With the arrival of Rebekah this wonderful project will enter a new and exciting pioneering phase. This is a passion project for me as it’s no secret that I came to faith through the choral tradition myself.

"Music can lift the soul and inspire people in so many ways.”