Hereford Cathedral has a reputation for producing organ scholars.

The latest, John Challenger from Tupsley in Hereford, follows in the footsteps of his predecessors John Robinson and Tim Noon - although his path is to Windsor Castle.

The former head chorister at Hereford Cathedral School, where he is still a pupil, will enjoy the opportunity of living within the Castle environs when he takes up his post at St George's Chapel - the venue for Prince Charles' marriage blessing to Camilla Parker Bowles.

Battling it out against six other candidates, most of whom were post-graduates, John, 17, attended two rounds of interviews before being awarded the scholarship - which commences in September.

"It had been a tremendously long but fascinating day," John said. "I had to play a variety of pieces, take part in a choir practice and be interviewed by all the senior clergy.

"One of the most surreal moments was when they asked me to do some improvisation on a hymn tune to simulate a situation where the hymn had finished but the Queen had not yet reached her seat."

"Any cathedral or major church would be an amazing place to be an organ scholar," added John, "but at Windsor, there will be just so much more to experience. I know it will also be a tremendous time for me to learn more about playing and the professional life of an organist."

Following his year in Windsor, John is hoping to further his studies at either Cambridge or York.

"Being a chorister sets you up for life," he said. "You have to be professional and understand the urgency of getting things done.

"You have a huge social circle among lots of people your age with similar interests. It's been a wonderful entry into music."

John's peers were surprised and pleased to hear of their friend's achievement. "It was something that no-one expected me to come back with," he said.

Although credit goes to both John Williams (director of music at the Cathedral School) and director of music, Geraint Bowen, for "knowing what's needed".

He is also interested in architecture and is studying for A-levels in art, music and classical civilisation.

To mark his departure from Hereford, John will give a lunchtime organ concert on the cathedral's Willis organ on Tuesday, August 22, at 1.15pm, to which all are welcome.