FOR the first time in its 111- year history, Ealing Abbey Choir is including girls in its intake of new choristers.

Three girls and five boys – all in Year 4 at St Benedict’s School – successfully auditioned to join this term as probationers.

One of them, Sabrina, said: “It is exciting being involved with something so special."

Grace added: "I think it is going to be amazing. I really enjoy choir practices and going to services in the abbey."

The choir sings each Sunday in the Abbey Church at 10.30am Mass, at Christmas and Easter.

In recent years, the choir has toured the United States, Poland, Barcelona, Vienna, Switzerland, Hungary and Rome.