Elgar was born in 1857 in Broadheath.

The works are thought to have been composed when Elgar was 20-years-old and working as assistant organist at St George's Church in Worcester.

Manfred Mann bought the original manuscripts for just over £100 at an auction in London 30 years ago.

He has since been trying to get the hymns recorded with little success until The Chapel Choir of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea agreed to perform them for a new CD.

Music released

Manfred Mann, famous for 60s hits such as Pretty Flamingo, said the scripts should really be in someone else's hands.

"I think if it was Bach's music I would feel differently, because I've listened to him all my life," he said.

"But Elgar isn't someone I've listened to a lot, his music scripts should be with people who want them."

Elgar was born in 1857 at Broadheath, a small village three miles from Worcester.

His father ran a music shop in Worcester and tuned pianos.