THE sounds of the Chowbent Chapel organ first rang out in public in August 1901.

Almost 100 years later, Nicholas Rimmer gave a brilliant recital in the Atherton church to boost the Frank Glover Organ Fund, set up in memory of the former organist.

Nicholas, from Wigan, a 2000 finalist in the keyboard section of the BBC Young Musician of the Year, and a senior organ scholar at Clare College, Cambridge, gave a brilliant performance.

Proceeds from the recital and buffet supper went to the fund set up in memory of the chapel player, who, though he moved to Southport, returned regularly to play and work for the restoration and maintenance of the excellent example of an English tracker organ, built in 1901, by Alexander Young.

There will be another chance to hear the instrument when Jack Day, from Wolverhampton, plays on September 8 during Atherton Heritage Week.