YOUNG musicians displayed their talents in a competition staged at Keighley's Shared Church.

The contest, featuring participants as young as eight, was hosted by Keighley and Skipton Rotary clubs.

It was the first time the two clubs had joined forces for the event.

Emily Overend, who was co-judge with Louise Cho, said: "We were very impressed with the standard of performers – they made our job extremely difficult!"

Competition categories were junior, for under tens; intermediate, for youngsters aged ten to 12, and senior, for those 13 and over. There were instrumentalist and vocalist sections.

The judges provided detailed feedback to each contestant, and made special mention of Alexander Edward Clarke – who played the church organ, the first time the instrument had ever featured in the competition. He won the intermediate instrumentalist category.

Other winners were, in the junior contest, instrumentalist Arrietty Waddington and vocalist Florence Churcher; and in the senior section, instrumentalist Lucy Cryer and vocalist Jessica Poulsen.

Prizes were presented by Rotary district governor David Philips.

Florence and Lucy were chosen as overall winners and will represent Keighley and Skipton Rotary in the next, district stage of the competition – at St John's Church, Sharow, Ripon, on Sunday, February 18, at noon.

National finals will be held at Chetham’s School of Music, Manchester, on April 21.

Keighley Rotary Club president Bernardine Maloney, who with her Skipton counterpart Nicky Shoesmith awarded certificates to all the participants, said it had been a "beautiful, warm and lively afternoon of music".

She added: "The competition is designed to encourage participation and foster local young talent.

"I wish Florence Churcher and Lucy Cryer all the best in the next stage of the contest.

"Also, I would like to publicly thank Asda and its foundation for a community green token scheme grant, which helped fund the event.

"Our young musician competition is one of eight nationwide for young people aged seven to 17 organised by Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland every year.

"The competitions are a great way for young people to be challenged in a fun and friendly environment. Rotary is committed to offering these young people opportunities to unlock their potential, develop their skills and broaden their horizons."

Anyone interested in getting involved in next year’s contest, or any other Rotary events, should email secretary@keighlyrotary.org

More about Keighley Rotary can be found at facebook.com/keighleyrotary, and the Skipton club at facebook.com/skiptonrotary