THE choir at Worcester Cathedral are preparing to sing a special anthem in celebration of the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta.

This week the Magna Carta Anthem was delivered by cyclist Steve Brown to Worcester Cathedral in preparation for it to be rehearsed and then sung by the Cathedral Choir at a special evensong celebrating the anniversary.

Mr Brown, the husband of the vicar of Odiham in Hampshire — Odiham being the home of King John’s castle — was joined by Malcolm Archer, director of chapel music at Winchester College, who composed the new anthem, when he delivered the music.

They were greeted outside the cathedral by members of the choir and staff.

Dr Peter Nardone, director of music at Worcester Cathedral, said: “The unifying factor of every cathedral choir with a Magna Carta association receiving this special piece of music is a testament to the principals and relevance of Magna Carta. We feel privileged to be among the first who will perform this new anthem for choir and organ.”

The anthem will be sung at the Festival Evensong on Sunday, June 14 at 4pm.

Last summer Mr Brown cycled a 1,100 mile round trip from Odiham to deliver the anthem across England to each of the original Magna Carta towns.

For a full programme of anniversary events at the cathedral, visit www.worcestercathedral.co.uk.