WHILE millions watched Andy Murray finally gain his longawaited Wimbledon crown, festival goers in Winchester sought out the cool, contemplative air of the Cathedral for a special evensong service.

Dramatic tapestry panels created by contemporary artist Maggi Hambling CBE were unveiled for the first time and they will provide a colourful counterpoint to the splendour of the of the 15th century screen at the Cathedral's high altar.

Fans of BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live programme were drawn to the service with the promise of a light-hearted intervention by the show’s co-presenter, the Reverend Richard Coles.

And he did not disappoint. Speaking about the dress favoured by clergymen, he recalled how proud he felt to wear a particularly fetching piece of scarlet coloured apparel, only to overhear one of his parishioners say he looked like Shirley Bassey in it.

Speaking after the service, the one-time member of the 1980s pop duo The Communards and now the parish priest for St Mary the Virgin, Finedon, said: “This was a wonderful occasion – it was great to see the new tapestries and they do the music so well here at Winchester Cathedral.”

Maggi Hambling said she really enjoyed the service.

“It was thrilling. I was quite anxious and nervous because I hadn't seen the finished tapestry before I got here but they have done a fantastic job in France.”

The tapestry was made with the traditional skills of the Pinton workshop in France which has worked with the likes of Picasso, Miro, Leger and Sutherland.