Ed Sheeran surprises singers at new choir school

Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has surprised choristers rehearsing their Christmas carol services when he officially opened their new music school.

Just under 40 young people are part of the St Mary-le-Tower choir in Ipswich.

It has recently been able to open its Song School opposite the church on Tower Street, in a building which is also used as a well-being and community hub shared with Citizens Advice.

The church's vicar, the Reverend Tom Mumford, said: "He was amazing with our young choristers, listening to them, asking them questions."

"He's an incredible advocate for the town, and for young people getting into singing," added Mr Mumford, who has known Sheeran since their teenage years.

Sheeran, who lives near Framlingham, north of Ipswich, and turned up in his Ipswich Town puffa jacket, also answered "plenty of questions about" the football club, of which he is a high profile supporter and shareholder.

The choir, which has been featured on Classic FM and performed live on the BBC, had outgrown its old base in another church building.

A legacy from a parishioner enabled St Mary-le-Tower to renovate and restore the part of Tower House, which is now the base for the Song School.

Mr Mumford said: "My hope is that [Sheeran's] commitment and work will encourage many more young people to explore singing, and what better place in Ipswich to do that than at Ipswich Minster."

Grade II* listed St Mary-le-Tower, which has medieval origins and was refurbished in the 19th Century, will be designated a minster in January.

The designation, which coincides with the town's 825th anniversary, recognises it as a "church of key significance to the town", according to the Church of England.