A TALENTED drummer, violinist, cellist and pianist have played their way into the finals of the prestigious Keldwyth Cumbrian Young Musicians Award.

Drummer Harry Still, 18, of Burton-in-Kendal, is studying at Newcastle University, while Kendal violinist Heather Storer, 21, is a student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Cellist Joe Davies, 19, of Appleby, is a choral scholar at Oxford, and pianist Daniel McLaughlin, 22, of Maryport, is studying at Huddersfield University.

Experienced and respected local musicians Ian Jones, Wendy Cann and Howard Rogerson met the difficult task of selecting the four finalists during the preliminary round at Kendal Town Hall.

The finals concert is to take place at the Victoria Hall, Grange-over-Sands, on Friday, September 2, when three judges will decide who wins the top prize of £1,000. For tickets and more details, visit www.keldwythaward.org.uk

Now in its 34th year, the Keldwyth Award aims to encourage young Cumbrian musicians, and its president is Anthony Hewitt, the distinguished Ulverston-born concert pianist.

During the past year the award has benefited from a generous bequest from the late Geoffrey Blake and grants from Cumbria Community Foundation, the Rotary Clubs of Kendal South Westmorland, Kendal and Furness as well as the continuing support of the society’s loyal subscribers.