CLASSICAL music fans are being given the chance to hear a 250-year-old Stradivarius violin by candlelight.

The legendary instrument, dating from 1757, will be played at a candlelit recital of Vivaldi's Four Seasons.

It belongs to the Royal Academy of Music and will be played by soloist Karin Leishman at All Saints Church, Causeway.

Stradivarius's are among the most sought after instruments in the world.

About 600 are known to exist - one sold in the UK for £3.5m in 2005.

It will be performed as part of a night of entertainment by the English Mozart Ensemble on March 8.

Its director, Garth Hall, promised a "unique experience".

He said: "Unlike a lot of instruments violins mature with age because of the type of wood used.

"The forest the wood came from to make a Stradivarius does not exist any more so it is impossible to recreate."

He added: "Places like All Saints are great places to play. The atmosphere of the place is so much nicer than playing in a big central concert hall."

The concert begins at 7.30pm.

Tickets can be bought from Marlow Tourist Information Centre, High Street or on 0870 243 0615.