A MAJOR restoration project is due to start to ensure the sounds of the historic Willis Organ will long be heard at Hereford Cathedral.

Sunday's Choral Evensong service will be the final time the 19th century instrument is played before it is dismantled pipe by pipe and repaired over a 12-month period.

"This historic instrument was last restored 25 years ago and it sounds as fine as ever, but the demands of so much daily use have inevitably taken their toll," said cathedral organist and director of music Geraint Bowen. "The coming year will be difficult without such a wonderful instrument, and we shall eagerly await its return in early 2005."