A BLACKBURN Cathedral choirboy has been chosen to sing in London's prestigious Westminster Abbey next week.

Leo Fulwell, 13, will join the Abbey choir to sing at the evensong service next Tuesday.

Blackburn director of music Mr Samuel Hudson explained that it was a great honour for Leo, who had been given the opportunity to sing in the capital because he was the longest serving chorister in the Blackburn choir.

Mr Hudson said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for Leo who continues to be an extremely loyal and hard-working chorister here in Blackburn. I hope he’ll really enjoy what promises to be a most memorable day.

"He's very excited about it, it's a great chance for him."

Alongside being a member of Blackburn Cathedral choir, Leo is also a student at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, and lives in Wilpshire.

Leo is currently rehearsing for the service with Mr Hudson and will be singing music by Victoria, Gibbons and Herbert Howells.

Mr Hudson believes the 13-year-old has earned this experience through his hard work, and that he is set for a once in a lifetime moment that he will never forget.

He said: "It's an arrangement we've made for him for the great services he's made to Blackburn choir.

"We're very proud, it'll be a fantastic experience and something he'll remember for the rest of his life."

Westminster Abbey is famed for being the church where Royal and national religious ceremonies take place and was the backdrop for the coronation of the Queen in 1953.

It is a prestigious opportunity to get the chance to sing their, and one Blackburn Cathedral Canon Sacrist Andrew Hindley believes Leo richly deserves as he is a very special talent.

Canon Hindley added: "He is one of the finest singers in the choir, we're very pleased for him."

The Mayor of Blackburn has also paid his tributes to the chorister ahead of his big day.

Cllr Hussain Akhtar believes that Leo's achievement is not only great for him, but is positive for the whole area as it enables the town to be represented on a wider scale.

He said: "It's very good that people in Blackburn can get these opportunities, I'm very pleased for the boy.

"It's good for the area, it shows that Blackburn is growing, and getting the chance to be represented at this level is definitely a good thing."