A Bradford organist has infiltrated the male-dominated world of cathedral organists and is believed to be the first ever woman appointed to the role.

Elizabeth Stratford, pictured, has been chosen as the new organist and master of the choristers at Arundel Cathedral in West Sussex.

Miss Stratford, 23, has been the organist at St Paul's Parish Church, Shipley, for two and a half years. She also trains the choir at the church, teaches at Yorkshire Martyrs RC School and lectures in singing at Bradford College.

She will take up her new job in October and said she was thrilled to be the only woman in the role, as well as one of the youngest ever.

"I am really pleased about it, it's all I have ever wanted to do," she said.

"The cathedral music world is really male dominated and nobody yet has achieved this level of appointment."

She beat off competition from 23 other candidates to get the job, which means she will be responsible for training the choir, playing the organ, performing in recitals and publicising the work of the cathedral.

Miss Stratford moved to Bradford at the age of five and has lived in Girlington and Great Horton, though she now lives at Springroyd Terrace at Four Lane Ends.

She said her interest in church music started when she was about 14 and she sang with the director of music for Leeds Cathedral.

"That just set it off and I thought 'I want to do that'."

Miss Stratford has had to undergo thorough training including a degree in music from Huddersfield University and a master's degree in music and liturgy from Leeds University.

She was awarded a fellowship from the Guild of Musicians and Singers in London in recognition of her work and is a member of Bradford Organists' Association. She also sings, and plays the piano and the flute.