The Bishop of Lichfield has defended the BBC's decision to film their Easter edition of Songs of Praise immediately after their Christmas edition last November.

Media reports about a speech he delivered at the weekend to the Lichfield Diocesan Synod have quoted him as attacking the process. Yesterday, the Rt Rev Jonathan Gledhill said: "If I am attacking the BBC then I am attacking myself because I knew about it in advance and I was party to it.

"I used this in my speech to illustrate the point that what you see on television isn't always reality. Many people I have spoken to are completely shocked when I tell them that the Easter programme was recorded before Christmas. But the BBC explained to us in advance the cost and difficulty of rigging such large and beautiful cathedrals such as Lichfield.

"Miles of cable are used for the lights, microphones and cameras and a large team of technicians and experts are brought in. Of course it makes good economic sense for the cost of this to be spread over two or three programmes and we are delighted that millions of people in Britain and around the world will be able to share in Easter worship with the cathedral this year.

"Working with the BBC was a great privilege because they sent us such a talented and professional team."