On BBC 'Today' programme and BBC News site this morning.

The Christmas carol While Shepherds Watched their Flocks was originally sung to the tune of folk song On Ilkla Moor Baht 'at, an academic claims.

Durham University hymnologist Prof Jeremy Dibble said it was one of the most popular versions of the 300-year-old carol.

The original version is still sung at traditional carol sessions in pubs in parts of Yorkshire, said Prof Dibble.

He is carrying out research into carols for a new hymnology dictionary.

Prof Dibble said his research had shown that one of the most popular versions of the carol was to the tune Cranbrook - better known as On Ilkla Moor Baht 'at.

Well bugger me who'd 'a thowt it? There's some clever folk in these 'ere unimiversities.

Mike