IN her long life the Queen has taken an interest in almost countless number of charities, institutions and causes.

But she has never forgotten her links with the great churches of the Church of England.

Now she has donated a grant towards a new piece of choral music to be sung in Winchester Cathedral.

The Friends of Winchester Cathedral charity has received a £2,500 gift from The Patron’s Fund, set up by the Queen as part of her 90th birthday celebrations.

Throughout her reign since the 1950s, the Queen has been the Patron of the Friends which support many aspects of cathedral life including its highly acclaimed music.

The gift will be put towards a specially-commissioned work to be performed by the Winchester Cathedral Girls' Choir which is entirely funded by the Friends.

Bruce Parker, chairman of the Friends and former BBC South Today presenter, is delighted with the news which came from Buckingham Palace this week.

Mr Parker said: “This is a generous gift on behalf of a Patron who has supported us consistently for many years. We are extremely grateful to Her Majesty and hope that the music we commission will be a fine and lasting way to celebrate her patronage.”

Sir Stuart Etherington, chairman of The Board of Trustees for The Patron’s Fund, said: "The fund is very pleased to be able to support the Friends of Winchester Cathedral with its valuable work. It is among hundreds of organisations for which The Queen acts as a Patron, which between them make a difference to causes and communities in the UK and throughout the Commonwealth."

The Patron’s Fund received generous donations from a range of supporters; including individual donors, businesses, schools, community groups and the proceeds from The Patron’s Lunch, the event on the Mall last June.

Around £750,000 has been distributed between nearly 300 charities and other organisations in the UK and the Commonwealth.