CHRIST Church Cathedral Choir was swelled by 33 extra voices as musically-talented young boys joined in with Evensong to conclude their 'Chorister for a Day' experience.

The boys, aged between six and nine, and their parents spent the day finding out what life is like as a chorister at Christ Church Cathedral School.

They came from Oxford, the surrounding counties and West London, and the day included a tour of the cathedral and tea in Christ Church’s Great Hall – a highlight for the boys given that some scenes of the Harry Potter films were shot there.

Richard Murray, headmaster of Christ Church Cathedral School, said: "Being a chorister is a truly transformational journey.

"There have been cathedral choristers at Christ Church for almost 500 years. You will be the next generation.

"We go on trips to bowling and laser quest, where I am constantly shot. There are lots of hot chocolate and film nights too."

Dr Stephen Darlington, director of music at Christ Church, added: "It's a lot of hard work but it's enjoyable.

"We can only achieve what we do if everyone is doing it from the heart."

Charlie Mock, six, from Great Missenden, enjoyed his tour of the cathedral.

He said: "Listening to the choristers was the best thing I've ever heard."

Sarah Homer, from Chipping Norton, who brought her eight-year-old son, Tom, to the day, said: "Five hundred years of choristers – it’s such a tangible thing when you are walking round the college.

"Today has given us a holistic view of chorister life. We have learnt about the detail of their lives and then put it in a bigger picture."

The boys will be invited back for voice trials in a couple of weeks' time and then four boys will be offered places to join form 4 as probationer choristers in September.