ANDOVER Young Musician of the Year is back for its sixth year showing off the best of the town’s talent for one night only.

There will be seven secondary schools’ pupils lighting up the stage on 8 February at St Mary’s Church, with prizes ranging from £100 to a special trophy for winners and promising talent.

This year’s competition will be judged in two categories of classical and popular by an experienced panel; international pianist and composer Julian Dawes and local musician Andy Pomfrey with a third judge soon to be confirmed.

Event organiser Chris Lynn said: “Last year we were raising money for the new staging for the church and I am delighted to say this has now been funded by a Test Valley Grant from their Community Asset Fund and topped up with donations from The Sofa Club, Andover Rotary Club, The Andover Choral Society and Rookwood School.

“Once again we are relying on people to come along and fill the church.

"It is probably the only time that our young people are going to sing or play in front of a ‘full house’ in a place with such brilliant acoustics.”

The event starts at 6.30pm and tickets are available from Winton, Harrow Way, John Hanson, Rookwood, Testbourne and Test Valley schools, the church office, David Mellor jewellers, and Mr Lynn.