AN AFTERNOON cello recital in a church known as the "little gem of moorland villages" will raise funds for water charities on May 27.

International cellist Jamie Walton, who lives in Appleton-le-Moors in the North York Moors National Park, will be performing in Christ Church from 3pm as part of the village’s charity programme. Each year, a cause is picked and funds are raised towards related charities; this spring, the WaterWorks recital will boost water and sanitation projects in Africa.

Walton's programme comprises three of JS Bach’s beautiful and technically demanding set of six suites for solo cello: Suite No. 4 in E major, Suite No. 2 in D minor and Suite No. 3 in C major.

Noted for his deep, rounded sound with purity of tone and unsentimental style, Walton combines a career in chamber and solo capacities, appearing throughout Europe, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Britain. He has performed with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Philharmonia and recorded 13 concertos, three with the RPO and ten with the Philharmonia.

He is a member of the Worshipful Company of Musicians and was elected to the Freedom of the City of London, his former home. In Yorkshire, he founded the North York Moors Chamber Music Festival, whose tenth anniversary will be marked with performances in ten churches across the North York Moors National Park between August 12 and 25.

"I live in Appleton-le-Moors and love the village and the church," says Jamie. "Each year the residents choose and fund-raise for a particular charity; I’m delighted to be able to contribute towards their efforts for water charities this year.”

Built in the 1860s, Christ Church is Grade I listed and its unusual features include two blocks of miniature pews for children. Tickets for May 27 cost £10, including refreshments, from Katrina Lane on 01751 417374.

For more information on the North York Moors Chamber Music Festival, visit northyorkmoorsfesitval.com