A WORCESTER music store has come to the rescue of a church in Morocco where hymns turned into hums when its organ unceremoniously packed up.

The penniless congregation left devastated by the prospect of no musical accompaniment to its services is now celebrating following the arrival of a brand new digital piano at St Andrew's Church in Tangier.

The £1,300 musical instrument was sent overseas by Cranes Music in New Street, Worcester, free of charge after shop director Steve Grice heard of the church's plight from fellow musician and Dr Stefan Scott, lay clerk of Worcester Cathedral.

Mr Grice said Dr Scott, who has been visiting St Andrew's on and off for about 30 years, explained to him the church had no music and no funds to replace the defunct organ which is when he decided to step in and send a Yamaha Clavinova CLP230 all the way to Morocco.

Mr Grice said: "Last year, Cranes Music celebrated its 35th anniversary and the idea of a church without music in this day and age is unthinkable.

"I'm only glad news of St Andrew's' plight reached Worcester Cathedral and we were able to be of help.

"I have no doubt future services at St Andrew's will be further inspired by the glorious accompaniment of the truly wonderful Clavinova CLP230."

Mr Grice said before he sent the digital piano he got Worcester Cathedral's organist and master of the choristers Adrian Lucas to test it out and make sure it was up to the job.

Mr Lucas said: "The versatility of this instrument will ensure music of all styles at St Andrew's. I am particularly impressed with the sound of the grand piano on the Clavinova and how the touch and feel is as good as a fine acoustic piano."

Mr Lucas also said the Clavinova's pipe organ sound would "lead congregational hymn singing perfectly well".

Dr Scott said the church is "a wonderful building" commissioned by the King of Morocco more than 100 years ago.

He said he hoped the introduction of a new digital piano would help strengthen links between ex-pats and locals who regularly attend concerts at the church.

"It's totally strapped for cash and gets no support other than what people there can provide," he said.

"It's difficult to get clergy out there so they are in a really difficult position but what Steve has done is so generous and they are so pleased with it from what e-mails I've had back from them."