Radio 2 Young Choristers of the Year 2010

Aled Jones presents this year's prestigious final now in its 25th year as choristers compete before a packed St Paul's cathedral. The winners - one girl and one boy - will be awarded the coveted title 'BBC Radio 2 Young Chorister of the Year 2010'. This annual competition is open to choristers between the ages of 11 and 17 who sing regularly with their choir for an act of worship. The annual competition celebrates its 25th birthday, and winning choristers from former years will be invited to the final to tell their stories of how the competition has launched their musical careers and enriched their lives, as well as being on hand to encourage this year's finalists. Some of the former winners have made television appearances, had recording contracts, appeared in West End musicals and have sung with prestigious choirs. William Dutton (winner in 2006) sang at the Proms and Welsh Proms, as well as alongside world renowned opera singers Jose Carreras and Bryn Terfel. Laura Wright (winner in 2005) sang with All Angels, the British classical and pop group, and is today a Scholar at the Royal College of Music and hoping to pursue a solo career. John Rutter, composer and music director of the Cambridge Singers, chairs the panel of judges which includes vocal coach and singer Carrie Grant, singer and actor, Sharon D Clarke and the Director of the Royal School of Church Music, Lindsay Gray. The two winners will each receive a trophy and lessons with one of the UK's leading singing coaches. They will also get the opportunity to appear on national radio and television including Radio 2's Good Morning Sunday, which is hosted by Aled Jones, and Radio 4's Sunday Worship. Bob Shennan, Controller Radio 2 says: "These eight talented young singers represent the best of religious choral singing in the UK. Young people make a vital contribution to choirs and music groups in places of worship across the UK and it's a pleasure to give them the national platform of Radio 2 on which their contribution and talent can be recognised." Last year's winners were Jacquelyne Hill from West Tarring, West Sussex and Laurence Kilsby from Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire. Since winning their titles Jacquelyne and Laurence's broadcast appearances have included BBC One's Songs Of Praise, Radio 4's Sunday Worship and Radio 2's Sunday Half Hour. The audience in St Paul's will also have the chance to hear rising stars, the Great British Barber Shop Boys during the interval in the competition.