Proud parents Paul and Diane Johnson, of Oaklands Park, Harborough, were thrilled when their son Simon (33) was chosen for the much sought-after role.

Mrs Johnson (61) said: “It’s very exciting to think my son’s playing at St Paul’s. I’m so proud of him and he deserves it because he’s worked so hard. He was featured in the centrefold of The Guardian and I’ve been showing everyone.”

Simon, who was born in Peterborough and grew up in Northampton, went through an audition and interview in March and started his new role as the organist on September 1 at the same church where the Prince of Wales married Diana and where the Queen celebrated her 80th birthday in 2006.

Simon’s dad Graham (66) used to be the warden for Launde Abbey, East Norton, and then the chamberlain for the Bishop of Leicester before he retired.

The couple moved to Harborough two years ago.

Mr Johnson said: “I was absolutely amazed. Simon was never known for wanting to practise the piano when he was younger but when he was 14 he discovered the organ and he practised non-stop.”

Before his role at St Paul’s Cathedral, Simon was the organist at St Alban’s Cathedral and the organist for All Saints’ in Northampton previously.