ONE of Yorkshire’s most accomplished young singers performed a solo at Ripon Cathedral during a traditional Christmas carol service.

Cundall Manor School pupil Francesca Banks, 12, won the prestigious Stowe Schools’ Choral Festival earlier this year, one of the largest events of its kind in the country beating top choral scholars from across the UK.

Monday’s service featured the school’s 25-strong chamber choir plus the parents’ choir of 24 adults.

Francesca performed in front of a congregation of nearly 1,000 parents, guests and dignitaries. Fellow pupil 12-year-old Monty Powell sang a solo of In The Bleak Midwinter.

The service was based on the King’s College Nine Lessons And Carols and was conducted by Cundall’s head of music Wendy Ford with Simon Wright as the organist.