ONE of Cumbria's finest young musical talents is in the running for a Classic Brit award.

Ulverston's Jess Gillam has been nominated for the awards' new Sound Of Classical poll which champions emerging new artists and ones-to-watch in classical music. Aged 30 or under and tipped for a great future, the winner will be chosen by an expert panel and revealed at the glittering Royal Albert Hall awards ceremony on June 13.

Rising star Jess made music history as the first saxophonist to win the Woodwind Final of BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2016 and was runner up to cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason in the competition's overall final.

She is already becoming recognised as an international ambassador for her instrument and the 19-year-old sax player gave a sensational performance in last year's BBC Proms.

"I’m so thrilled to be part of the Sound of Classical Poll," says Jess. "The saxophone is such a versatile and expressive instrument and is not recognised as widely as other instruments in the classical world so it’s a real honour to be a part of such a fantastic event. To give a platform for young artists to show their talent to a wider audience is a great idea and I hope it inspires more young musicians."

The Classic Brit Awards returns for 2018 for the first time in five years - reformatted and refreshed, exclusively broadcast on ITV and in partnership with Classic FM - to celebrate the growing appeal of classical and music from film, television, theatre and games.

Among this year's accolades Dame Vera Lynn will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Hosts Myleene Klass and Alexander Armstrong present the spectacular evening with performers Andrea Bocelli, Michael Ball and Alfie Boe, Welsh bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel and Tokio Myers - who won Britain’s Got Talent 2017 - taking to the Royal Albert Hall stage on the night.

Entries are open for the Sound Of Classical poll until May 20. For further information visit classicbrits.co.uk.