THIS YEAR’S Young Musicians Competition in Keighley was so popular that it had to be split in two.

The Rotary Club of Keighley received more entries than ever before for its contest at Keighley Shared Church.

Rotary Club president Janet Pickles said: “For the first time ever, the number of entrants meant we had to split the competition into morning and afternoon sessions.

“The entrants’ level of expertise continues to grow year-on-year and winners are able to go forward to the Rotary district finals.”

The results of each class were: under 12, Kate South, vocalist; 13 to 14, Lucy O'Donoghue, flute, runner-up Rebecca Stapleton, violin; 15 to 16, Jake Jones, trombone; 17 to 18, Jennifer-Dawn Lawry, vocalist.

The two overall winners were Kate South and Jake Jones, and they will go forward to the York finals next year.

Janet said that last year won the district final and was a runner up at the regional final.

She added: “These local competitions give children valuable experience and are a great confidence builder.

“Assistance with the cost of going forward to the next level is being given by the Rotary Club.”

The Rotary Club of Keighley invited youngsters from across Keighley to take part in the annual competition last month.

Schools and private tutors urged to enter their most talented pupils, to help achieve the same high standard as last year’s competition.

All participants were awarded a certificate and the winners and runners-up of each category received a cash prize.

The regional finals will be on March 7, followed later in 2015 by the national finals.