A West Dorset church is taking inspiration from a hit Channel 4 show and is looking for keen pianists to play at the venue.

St Swithun’s Church in North Allington has recently been donated an Estonia grand piano and the team is looking to follow in the footsteps of TV show ‘The Piano’ hosted by Claudia Winkleman by allowing members of the public to show up and play.

The church will be open to receive pianists in slots of up to 15 minutes each on Saturday, April 20 and Saturday, May 4, from 10.30am to 12pm.

A spokesperson for St Swithun’s said: “Remember the TV programme with Claudia Winkleman at St Pancras Station in London when members of the public turned up to play a piano on a railway platform, the Estonia grand piano is ready to give people that same opportunity.”

The piano was recently donated to St Swithin’s by Dr Richard Godfrey of Uplyme and the church wants it to be used by the community as much as possible.

Canon Deb Smith, Rector of Bridport, said: “We look forward to welcoming performers and audience alike. St Swithun’s and all our churches are open for visitors, and it will be good to hear the beautiful sounds of our newest musical instrument and a variety of music.”

Organiser of the event, Mandi Sturrock, explained that everyone is welcome to have a go whether they are a complete beginner or a professional.

Those that do wish to attend should email: msturrock@pancathay.com saying you are planning to come, however ‘if you forget to do so, don’t feel you can’t come, you are very welcome, and they will try to accommodate you.’