On Sunday 30th June, two girls from St Paul’s Cathedral School formally joined the St Paul’s Cathedral Choir as full choristers for the first time in its 900-year history. The Cathedral's Choral Evensong service on officially marked the historic event.

The Choral Evensong service was 11-year-old Lila and 10-year-old Lois’s first service performing with the Cathedral Choir as ‘made up’ choristers, having undertaken specialist training in preparation. They have passed their probation, and have now taken up their positions as full members of the choir.

At the service, the girls were presented with their surplice, symbolising their new status as St Paul’s choristers. The choir practices together and sings services daily, as well as in special services, concerts and events, including those of both national and international significance.

The Bishop of London, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, said: 'It is a great joy to welcome Lila and Lois into the Cathedral community. It was profoundly moving to see the culmination of their hard-work, and God-given gifts on show, at the service on Sunday evening. I hope that Lila and Lois can be an inspiration to other young girls as to what can be achieved, in what is a huge milestone in St Paul’s 900-year history.'

Director of Music at St Paul’s Cathedral, Andrew Carwood MBE, added: 'Lila and Lois have worked extremely hard in preparing for this day and we are delighted to welcome them to our musical family. I look forward to their bright futures in the Choir, which I’m delighted to see continuing to grow and flourish.'