GROOVY curate Mark Ewbank is planning to entertain his congregation with a karaoke machine after appeals for an organist fell on deaf ears.

Mr Ewbank, senior curate at All Saints Church, Oval Way, in Gerrards Cross, suggested the idea of the Japanese inspired music machine after the former organist quit earlier this year.

It is proving almost impossible for the church to find a replacement musician for the Sunday morning services, meaning they may have to resort to a digital hymnal machine.

Mr Ewbank said: "It's very difficult to find organists these days.

"It's a bit of a shame but is a reflection on a wider trend and is partly due to the fact that Gerrards Cross is so expensive to live in.

"The sort of people who live here are successful people from the city and we just can't pay enough money."

The church pays its organist about £120 per month, plus extra money for playing at funerals or weddings.

Mr Ewbank, who has been at the church since last July, has advertised both locally and in The Church Times for a replacement but has had no luck.

A similar karaoke-style machine, known as a Digital Hymnal, has already been installed at a church in Nottinghamshire.

The machine will play 2,400 hymns, and the operator can choose between a wide range of instruments ranging from an organ to an electric guitar.

Mr Ewbank denied he would be tempted to subject his flock to a rendition of Come All Ye Faithful on the electric guitar.

He said: "The congregation might not like it."

The karaoke craze originated in a snack bar in Kobe City, Japan, 25 years ago, and the direct translation of the word into English means 'empty orchestra.'.

The idea of trying alternatives will be discussed at the next church committee meeting.

If you are an organist and feel that you could help Mr Ewbank and the All Saints Church congregation, then call him on 01753 883839.