THERE is a cheque for £850 awaiting one budding young musician in the county to help fund a career in music.

Hereford Police Male Choir is inviting young performers aged 14 to 22 to apply for its annual Young Musician's Bursary, sponsored by the Beckett Bulmer Fund, which has already helped seven of them get on the music career ladder. Last year’s winner was pianist Manu Hasan from Fownhope who plans to use his award to pay for masterclasses for would-be composers in London

“Each year at the adjudications we are privileged to listen to some of the most talented young musicians and singers in the region," says George Thomas for the Police Choir, "and having the opportunity to help just one of them attain their personal goal in the world of music is in itself a great privilege for members of the choir.”

Applicants should send details of themselves and their music career to date to Alison Houlbrooke, musical director of the Police Choir at alisonhoulbrooke@btinternet.com.

The closing date for applications is Friday, March 28, with adjudications taking place on Saturday, March 28 at Holy Trinity Church in Whitecross Road. Everyone is welcome to hear the finalists play.