THE £5m Music and Light Appeal at Worcester Cathedral is forging ahead after a European decision to allow the production of pipe organs containing lead.

The campaign to replace both the cathedral's worn- out organs was thought to be in jeopardy because of a European Union directive on hazardous substances that would have prohibited the production of lead pipes, which have tonal qualities essential to organs.

The decision to make pipe organs exempt safeguards the musical heritage of Worcester Cathedral for future generations and means that the appeal can go ahead.

The threefold campaign has already raised £2.3m to replace the Victorian organs and establish a choral foundation to protect the chorister tradition, besides improving the cathedral's interior lighting. The acting Dean, the Rev Canon Alvyn Pettersen, said: "The order to replace the quire organ has been placed, following the success of the appeal.

"We are hugely relieved that the project can now go ahead as planned."

Call Lucinda Wray-Wear for information on 01905 611002.