CLASSICAL opera singer Lizzie Jones has helped launch a new music competition aimed at celebrating and promoting Yorkshire as people adapt to life with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lizzie – widow of former Keighley Cougars star Danny Jones – is the lead judge for the LNER Song for Yorkshire contest.

Aspiring singers and songwriters of all ages are being invited to compose a song about the virtues of the county as a place to live, study, work and visit.

Fellow judges include Kaiser Chiefs’ Simon Rix and theatre producer Dan Bates.

Lizzie said: “I’m delighted to be leading the judging on this brilliant new competition, which combines two of my biggest passions – singing and Yorkshire.

“Lockdown has been a huge challenge for so many people across the county and what better way to raise our spirits than coming-up with a ‘Song for Yorkshire’.”

For further information and to enter, visit yorkshire.com/song. The deadline for entries is November 19.