Popular BBC show Songs of Praise is set to be recorded at a church in Ipswich this month.

St Mary le Tower Church in Tower Street will host the flagship programme on November 26 and 27, from 7-10pm.

The recording will be preceded by a rehearsal at the church on November 18.

Reverend Canon Charles Jenkin, vicar of the church, believes its strong music and concert programme was influential in the BBC deciding to film there.

“We are really looking forward to having a great time, and welcoming a lot of people to the church,” he said.

“It’s a good size of building, and they were looking for a venue that sang traditional hymns, so it is really good news they are coming here.”

Members of the public are being invited to take part and apply for tickets for the event, which will be conducted by composer Noël Tredinnick.

Songs of Praise producer, John Kirby, said: “It’s a pleasure for Songs of Praise to come to Ipswich and in particular for us to work with Noël Tredinnick.

“St Mary le Tower is a real gem of a church – I am so looking forward to working with the local community.”

The shows will record 12 different hymns, which will then be broadcast across various shows over the next few months.

To apply for free tickets, visit www.bbc.co.uk/songsofpraise. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, November 10.