YOUNG musicians in the Ilkley area are being given the chance to compete for a share of a £16,000 prize pot to help them in their careers.

Organisers of Pendle Young Musicians’ Bursary competition, which runs every two years, have extended their catchment area to a 20-mile radius of the main venue in Colne, Lancashire, which means singers and instrumentalists from Yorkshire towns and villages including Ilkley, Keighley, Cross Hills, Steeton and Silsden will now qualify.

The bursary provides funding towards tuition, instruments and courses to help students pursue a career in music, and is open to entrants aged 17 to 21 who live in the catchment area.

The money is allocated according to the students’ needs for funding as they arise.

The four 2014 finalists are currently sharing more than £14,000 in prize money, now increased to £16,000 for 2016.

Cellist Ruth Hallows, winner in 2014, said: “It’s a really fantastic opportunity for local young musicians to showcase their skills in great performance venues.

“The bursary itself has opened so many doors for me, both in the local area and across the UK.

“It has allowed me to study with incredible cellists as well as furthering my studies abroad. It has been a huge support and I am truly grateful.”

Saxophonist Emma Johnson, a 2012 finalist who now leads her own jazz combo, added: “The bursary is a wonderful opportunity for young musicians around the local area.

“It gave me an unmissable chance to meet new musicians, perform in fantastic venues and develop my performance skills, as well as the support to help me move further towards my goal of becoming a professional saxophonist.”

Ruth, who began playing the cello aged 12, is in her final year at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff.

Last year, a £12,000 bursary was divided between the winner Ruth and three other finalists – according to their future needs to pay for extra tuition and other expenses.

The other finalists were singer Georgina Parker (17), singing four songs ranging from opera to jazz; bassoonist Sarah Hoyle (18), currently studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London, playing a sonata by Saint-Saens; and singer Jack Herbert (19), with a selection of five show songs.

Entries are open now until November 21, and the selection process continues with the opening concert at The Muni, Colne, on March 13, 2016, and a closed adjudicated round at The Ace Centre, Nelson, on July 2, 2016. The grand finale is at The Muni, Colne, on October 9, 2016.

For details of how to apply, see pymb.co.uk and find Pendle Young Musicians’ Bursary on Facebook.