The newly-installed High Sheriff of Dyfed, David Pryse Lloyd, gave his support to the 12-hour organ-playing marathon at St. David's Church, Llanddewi Velfrey, on Monday.

In what's believed to be a 'first' for Wales, the 'Organathon' was broadcast on the World Wide Web in an attempt to engage Welsh ex-patriots around the globe.

A succession of organists took a turn at the church's two-manual-and-pedalboard instrument to kick-start the £100,000 Building Restoration Appeal.

Pieces ranged from Bach's famous Toccata and fugue in D minor to Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah from the 1946 Disney production Song of the South, as well as favourites from current musicals and compositions by the players themselves.

The day ended with a 'sing-in' of favourite hymns led by hymn expert Hugh Ashley, who entertained the near-capacity audience with stories about the hymns' background before they were sung.

The ancient church - said to have been founded by Wales's Patron Saint himself - faces closure unless urgent repairs are carried out.

"As well as being a focus of Christian witness, St. David's is a hidden gem in the treasure-chest of Welsh historical sites," said piest-in-charge, Rev. Jonathan Copus. "It will be a tragedy if this priceless piece of our national heritage is lost to future generations."

It's hoped that visitors to http://www.organathon.org">www.organathon.org will enjoy the music and boost the £1,000 raised on the day.

Footnote: A report and phtograph of the installation of the new High Sheriff can be found inside.