AUDITIONS will be held next month for a place in the 18th Marlowe Young Musician of the Year competition, which takes place on Tuesday, September 30.

Children in full-time education who live in Kent or whose school is in the county are eligible to enter. They must be Grade 8 standard on their instrument.

Auditions take place on Sunday, April 20, in the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury. The final takes place in public in the Marlowe Theatre. The winning trophy and other prizes are donated by the Kent Messenger Group.

Jane Jones, from Classic FM, will present the competition and the Kent Concert Orchestra, conducted by John Perkins, will accompany the young performers in their chosen works. Application forms for the audition are available from Eileen Booker, administration department, The Marlowe Theatre, The Friars, Canterbury, CT1 2AS, or by ringing 01227 828358 or e-mailing Eileen.booker@canterbury.gov.uk