MUSICIANS competed for their share of a £18,000 bursary.

Preliminary auditions took place for the Pendle Young Musicians Bursary, held at Colne Municipal Hall.

The event gives young musicians the opportunity to gain substantial funding to help them continue their musical studies.

Nine performers including vocalists, pianists, guitarists, a cellist and a trumpeter gave performances to a packed audience including borough mayors of Pendle, Burnley and the Ribble Valley as well as Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson.

Guitarist George Collins, cellist Ben Finlay, pianist Brian Low and trumpeter Ben Jarvis were chosen to move forward to the grand final and will battle it out for a share of the £18000 available to further their studies on June 30.

The bursary competition takes place every two years, and runs over a course of rounds in the form of a video entry followed by two live performances.

The International music adjudicator Marilynne Davies spoke during the opening ceremony.

She said: "This is a truly amazing event.

"You should cherish it, support it and attend it.

"I can tell you it does not happen everywhere like it happens here."

For more information visit pymb.co.uk