A church organist has quit after complaining that the rector's booming voice was drowning out her playing.

Cynthia Hall, musical director at St Mary the Virgin Church in Henley, resigned after 16 years.

She walked out of her post at the 13th-century church citing personal and musical differences with the Rev David Pritchard.

Mrs Hall, of Hayward Road, Oxford, accused Mr Pritchard of sabotaging her music by singing too loudly and quickly through his microphone.

She said: "I didn't want to leave. I have spent many happy years at St Mary's. It used to be such a lovely, happy place to work.

"But since David Pritchard took over four years ago my life has been a misery. I have tried my best to get on with him, but it hasn't worked. I had no option but to resign." She also accused Mr Pritchard of spoiling after-service organ solos by allowing coffee to be served at the back of the church. She said: "The noise of the rattling cups drowned out the music."

Former churchwarden George Constantinidi, who has been a parishioner at St Mary's for 20 years, said: "They are both good musicians but, like everyone, they have different musical appreciation. Mrs Hall is being unfair and over-critical."

One parishioner, who asked not to be named, said Mrs Hall would be missed. He said: "She was an excellent performer and people enjoyed listening to her. We were sad to see her go."

Mrs Hall, a fellow of the Royal College of Organists, has now taken up a post as organist at St Giles's Church, Oxford. The vicar of St Giles's, the Rev Andrew Bunch said: "She has been made most welcome by the people here. I hope she will be very happy."

Mr Pritchard was unavail- able for comment.