By Chris Story

Last updated 09:44, Wednesday, 16 April 2008

THE talented Carlisle chorister who almost reduced television’s Mr Nasty to tears will be part of a special performance at the city’s cathedral this weekend.

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Playing the fame game: Andrew and mum Morag on Monday’s GMTV

Andrew Johnston, 13, has won the nation’s hearts after revealing to the judges of Britain’s Got Talent – including Simon Cowell – how he was determined to beat the bullies who have taunted him for his singing.

He appeared on the famous sofa of breakfast show GMTV with his mum Morag yesterday, while his tale of bravery has been told in a number of national newspapers.

And on Saturday he will line up alongside fellow members of Carlisle Cathedral’s choir, of which he is head chorister, as they prepare to record a CD in the atmospheric surroundings of the religious landmark.

They will perform a number of pieces written by Dr Frederick Wadely, who was the cathedral’s master of music from 1910 until 1960.

Jeremy Suter, the cathedral’s master of music, believes Andrew’s rise to stardom could attract a few more faces to the free recital, which begins at 12noon.

He said: “We would expect the people who come would be parents of choristers or members of the cathedral congregation, but I am hoping that we will attract some people who might have heard Andrew on TV.”

The Trinity School pupil received a standing ovation from the audience when he auditioned for the talent show’s judges – Cowell, former national newspaper editor Piers Morgan and actress Amanda Holden.

Cowell said his voice was “fantastic” and that he had a real chance of winning the show, while fellow judge Amanda Holden said she was “mesmerised” and that his voice could “knock all those bullies out”.

Mr Suter, the cathedral’s master of music since 1991, described the response to Andrew’s appearance as “phenomenal”.

“He did very will in the audition and has a great future ahead of him. He is a nice lad – extremely nice and a bit on the shy side.

“One of the things Simon Cowell said to him was to have more confidence in himself. We are trying to encourage him to believe in himself.”

Mr Suter believes Andrew will cope well with all the attention, adding: “He has a very supportive mother. She will make sure he is okay. We at the cathedral will do all we can to support him too.”

Saturday’s cathedral recital will include the 18-strong boys’ choir and the girls’ choir, which has 25 members. They will perform individually and together ahead of the CD being recorded later this month.

Andrew, also a talented rugby player who plays in the second row for Carlisle RFC, is determined to become a singer with the theatre when he leaves the choir next year.

If he wins Britain’s Got Talent, he would earn a £100,000 cash prize and a spot in the Royal Variety Performance in front of Prince Charles.

A campaign supporting him has already been launched on social networking website Facebook.