CLARINETTIST Jack Horrocks and soprano Faye Bowness are through to the finals of the Keldwyth Cumbrian Young Musicians Award.

Jack, aged 20, from Milnthorpe, a student at London's Royal College of Music, and 18-year-old Faye, of Whassett, a student at Queen Elizabeth School, Kirkby Lonsdale, who will be studying music at York University from September, competed alongside eight other young musicians - all born and or educated in Cumbria - in the preliminary round of the prestigious award held at Kendal Town Hall.

Jack and Faye will be joined by 16-year-old pianist Leah Nicholson of Lanercost, a pupil at Chethams School of Music, and French horn player Benjamin Lowe, aged 20, who hails from Carlisle, and is studying at the London Guildhall School of Music.

The difficult task of selecting the four finalists was down to experienced clarinettist, Karen Guidici; one of the region's most respected musical figures, Mary Powney, and distinguished Ulverston-born pianist and artistic director of Ulverston International Music Festival, Anthony Hewitt, who is also the young musicians award's president.

Each contestant was asked to perform a selection of works of their choice in a 15 minute programme.

Accompanists were Andy Plowman and Amy Metcalfe.

A cheque from the proceeds of a concert by Barrow Male Voice Choir and the Barrow Savoyards to support the work of the award was presented after the adjudication.

The much awaited final will take place on Friday, September 1 (7.30pm) at the Victoria Hall, Grange-over-Sands, and will take the form of a concert.

A panel of three different judges will choose this year’s winner who will receive a prize of £1,000 and the Reginald Griffiths Trophy. The runner-up will receive £500 and the Geoffrey Blake Trophy. The other two finalists will each receive £250.

The Keldwyth Award - now in its 35th year - is a registered charity, which aims is to support and encourage young Cumbrian musicians aged between 16 and 22.

For tickets and further information visit www.keldwythaward.org.uk.