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A Worcestershire singer will use her experience to help judge a prestigious music competition.

Elizabeth Crawford, who reached the final of the 2007 BBC Radio 2 Young Chorister of the Year contest and will soon become the first-ever lead female chorister at Worcester Cathedral, has been chosen to adjudicate Young Musician Of Malvern.

The talented 17-year-old, who attended Pershore High School and is now studying for A-levels at Pershore Sixth Form College, said: “Being a Young Chorister finalist was an amazing experience.

“I came to music reasonably late, when I joined my mum's choir as a 14-year-old, and now music is my passion. I can't describe how honoured I feel to be an adjudicator.

Having gone through a similar competition, I think I will be able to relate to how the musicians are feeling – their nerves about choosing a piece and performing in front of a large audience – and I hope this will make me an understanding judge."

The Young Musician Of Malvern competition is open to non-professionals aged 11 to 21. Entrants will be split into five categories – strings, brass, keys, wind, and percussion – with a finalist from each.

Elizabeth, whose father is the Rev Kenneth Crawford, vicar of Pershore Abbey and who lives in Church Street, Pershore, said: “I will be looking for someone who really feels what they're performing.

“As a listener you need to be able to tell the musician has got a passion for music and that they know how to put a piece across."

The overall winner, chosen during the May final, will receive £500 and the opportunity to perform at the Malvern Theatre’s Forum Theatre in Grange Road, Malvern.

For more information and entry forms visit malvern-theatres.co.uk or call 01684 580943. Deadline for entries is Sunday, November 30.