For more than 200 years their dulcet tones have been filling the air at Romsey Abbey.

And for many Hampshire families, being part of the boys’ choir has been a prestigious role running through several generations.

But recruiting new members to the Romsey boys choir is proving a problem – so much so that for the first time in many years they will not be performing during an annual summer trip to another UK cathedral.

Organist and Master of the Choristers Robert Fielding is blaming rival activities for the drop in numbers of boys in the stalls.

There are now just six boys sitting on each side of the historic abbey, when usually there is ten.

Mr Fielding said: “At present we have six boys each side and although these boys make a brilliant sound, they would very much like to have another eight boys singing with them – as well as playing football before practices!”

But he said he was finding that fewer and fewer boys are able give up their Sundays and the two weekday evenings required for practice.

However, he is keen to spread the message that there are rewards to be had – with choirboys earning good pocket money for regular attendance and more when singing for weddings.

Added to this members of the choir receive a free musical education and go on trips and tours.

Mr Fielding said: “Being part of the choir is certainly a team event.

“When the boys sing on Sundays they are very often performing music that adult choirs would hesitate to take on. It has to be good, too, as it is offered as prayer in worship.”

In recent years the male choir has been supplemented by a group of girl choristers who sing as a separate choir on the first Sunday of the month. The choirs join together at Easter and Christmas Day.

To find out more about joining the choir email Mr Fielding at rcfielding@gmail.com or call him on 0787 944 3060 or 01794 515259 You can visit the choir’s website at romseyabbeychoir.org.uk