CATHEDRAL staff and parishioners are to reach new musical heights by hiking up Snowdon — with a ‘grand’ piano in tow.

The plan by Blackburn Cathedral’s staff and congregation to take a toy instrument up the 3720ft mountain is part of a campaign to raise £3.5m pounds for a cathedral refurbishment.

The cathedral’s musical director Samuel Hudson hopes to hit a high note on the mini-aturiased instrument with fellow walkers on Snowdon, where he will perform a repertoire on the Welsh summit.

The toy grand piano, which weighs just over seven pounds, will be carried up Snowdon by the team of 25 taking part in the fundraiser. It will help raise funds for the Blackburn Cathedral Appeal and the Blackburn Cathedral Chair Appeal, to carry out refurbishments. The Dean of Blackburn, the Rev Christopher Armstrong, said he hoped the fundraiser would be backed by the community.

He said: “It’s very important for the continuing of the cathedral’s work that these refurbishments take place and the cathedral is regenerated for future generations. The cathedral’s staff and many members of our congregation have been wonderful in coming up with these ideas and volunteering to take part.”

Head verger Mark Pickering, who will be leading the walk said: “It’s something that will make people smile, hopefully, and encourage more support. Everyone who has signed up is really excited about it. The piano is to be passed around like a relay so that will make sure everyone is involved.”

Music director Samuel Hudson said: “I hope it will be welcomed on Snowdon. I will be playing two or three songs then I might take requests.”

The cathedral’s campaign is to restore fabric and furnishings, reinstall decades old lighting and wiring, refurbish the Jesus Chapel and replace cathedral seating.

The Blackburn Cathedral Chair Appeal is to replace seating which is currently worn and inadequate. The walkers set off on Saturday and will travel by coach to Snowdonia before taking the Pyg track up to the summit. To support the team, contact 07809 429 323 or email vergers@blackburncathedral.co.uk