CHOIRBOYS at Hereford Cathedral are not just angelic voices and colourful cassocks.

They are to be feared on the football field as West of England champions.

The soccer choristers thrashed other football happy cathedral choirs in a 10-team tournament in Exeter last week.

Their skills took them through to a dramatic final against Winchester, the Golden Goal rule being brought in to play after a 0-0 draw.

It took a spectacular save by goalkeeper Frazer Haviz and a great goal by Sam Wilson to give the Hereford choristers the trophy.

The squad of nine had a day off from Hereford Cathedral School to take part and their success was a matter of pride for their coach, gap student Katie Wyke from the Cathedral Junior School, who had coached them since Christmas.

Cathedral organist and director of music Geraint Bowen said the football tournament, organised by the Choir Schools Association, was a big event in the year for the Hereford choristers.

There was always plenty of rivalry between the teams, especially with Worcester, Gloucester and Tewkesbury.

"However, matches are always played in the best of spirits and I'm sure the best team won,'' he said.

However much they enjoyed the rough and tumble of the football pitch, the boys did not forget their singing.

They packed their cassocks with their football boots and after becoming champions they joined with another 150 choristers in a mass Choral Evensong in Exeter Cathedral.

Meanwhile, the cathedral is looking for more boys in year two to join the choir and anyone who knows a potential chorister and would like to know what is involved should ring Geraint Bowen on 01432 374238, or the website organist@ herefordcathedral.co.uk