STAFF at Wimborne Minster have honoured a veteran choirman for his 60 years of service.

Having been born in the town and attending Queen Elizabeth's Grammar, Jonathan Hiscock joined the Wimborne Minster Choir in November 1961.

The choirman’s longevity and ongoing commitment was praised during the church’s Remembrance Day service on Sunday November 14.

Anthony Oliver, from Wimborne Minster, said: “At the family Eucharist Service on Remembrance Sunday, Jonathan was publicly thanked for all his service over the years.

“The Rector, the Revd Canon Andrew Rowland, presented him with a specially designed certificate recording his 60 years of service.

“Churchwarden, Peter Cook, presented him with an engraved decanter together with a card containing messages of congratulation from present and past colleagues.

“He was then saluted by the gentlemen of the choir with a touching tribute set to the tune of ‘Three Kings from Persian Lands Afar’."

Bournemouth Echo: Churchwarden Peter Cook, right, presents Jonathan Hiscock with a specially engraved decanter

Jonathan has served under two vicars and five rectors, six choirmasters and a similar number of assistants.

He has taken part in two live service television broadcasts – on Christmas Day in 1973 as well as the BBC’s Songs of Praise broadcast in 1990, as well as some live and recorded radio programmes.