Winchester Cathedral has apologised after abruptly culling a cluster of silver medals worn by its choristers for decades.

The medals were named after former dean Michael Stancliffe, organist Alwyn Surplice and Michael Kefford, who was headmaster of the Pilgrims' School.

For years these have been presented at the beginning of every academic year at an event called a "dubbing" attended by all choristers, then worn over their cassocks during services.

All three men who worked within the cathedral community have now died, but their families were not informed that the medals were being discarded ahead of dubbing.

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Anna Dichmont said she'd attended the ceremony only to be "hurt and surprised" that the one named after her grandfather Alwyn Surplice wasn't mentioned.

"The medal may seem like a simple token but it carried huge significance not just to our family," she said.

"It represented a precious connection to the musical heritage of the cathedral and was part of our shared history. The destruction of ties such as these is far more profound than the loss of a symbol. Through it we lose part of our collective past."

A cathedral spokeswoman said the move had been a "regrettable oversight".

"We are deeply sorry for the hurt and distress caused to the families by this, and we can confirm that we are in the process of writing to the families to discuss reinstating the medals.

"We have taken steps to improve our systems to make sure something like this doesn't happen again without the proper consultation and processes."

The spokeswoman added that they were working with the headmaster of the Pilgrims' School about reinstating the medal in its name, which was also unexpectedly axed last month.

Winchester Cathedral is currently the subject of an independent review into its management practices following national coverage of widespread complaints.