Ongar Music Club has launched its Essex Young Musician of the Year competition for 2020.

Instrumentalists and singers aged under 25 who were born, live in or have studied across the county, including Ilford, Wanstead and Woodford, are eligible to enter.

The winner will receive £1,000, The Essex Young Musician of the Year cup to hold for one year and a professional recital engagement.

Further prizes totalling more than £1,000 will also be awarded to the most outstanding performances in their age category.

Last Year, baritone Michael Lafferty, 22, from Southend, was crowned last year's winner by the judging panel at Budworth Hall, Ongar.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

22-year-old baritone Michael Lafferty was crowned Essex Young Musician of the Year in 2019

Ongar Music Club chairman Jane Webster said: "The competition was established in 1984 through the enthusiasm of key members of Ongar Music Club.

"It aims to support and encourage young Essex musicians of talent and potential who will enjoy competing and performing in a welcoming, pleasant environment."

Entrants in the first round must provide a programme of 10 to 15 minutes that must include at least two works or two movements from different works.

Musicians who reach the final will perform a programme lasting 15 to 20 minutes that must also include at least two contrasting works not works performed in the first round.

Deadline to enter Essex Young Musician of the Year is Sunday, May 31, and will take place on Sunday, July 5.

For full details and the competition prospectus, downloaded at www.ongarmusicclub.org.uk