THE CHOIR of St Mary's Church, Exbourne, has been praised for its magnificant performance in the choir section of the Devon Performing Arts Festival.

The festival, held in Exeter Baptist Church on Saturday March 19, saw the choir sing 'If Ye Love Me' by Thomas Tallis, and an anthem by John Rutter, 'I Will Sing the Spirit'. Accompaniment was performed by pianist Christine Cleverdon.

In his critique, adjudicator Robert Latham praised the choir for their performance and highlighted how rare a church choir is today.

In presenting director Paulin Savage with the Robinson Shield, Mr Latham awarded the choir 87 marks, the distinction level indicating an excellent performance both technically and artistically.