Andrew Carter, who lives in York, has written Good Day Sire Christmas for the choir of St Olave's church in Marygate and their conductor John Hastie.

It will be performed at a service of nine lessons and carols at 1800 GMT on Tuesday

Andrew Carter has also written carols for King's College, Cambridge and was director of music for the Bar Convent in York for 10 years.

Peace of Christmas

He said: "I wanted to write a carol for St Olave's because it must be one of the finest parish church choirs in the country.

"The atmosphere in St Olave's church is also very special."

John Hastie said the choir is thrilled to have a carol written for them by such a well-known composer.

"We hope many people will come and hear it and find some of the joy and peace of Christmas in the service," he added.