GLOUCESTERSHIRE Music in partnership with Lincoln Financial Group have released the entry forms for the 2006 Gloucestershire Young Musician Competition.

The competition - now in its 15th year - is open to young musicians of 21 years or under, of at least Grade 8 standard who have a home address within the county boundaries.

The preliminary round will take place on Sunday, January 1, with the final round is due to be held at a public concert in the Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham, on March 1.

The winner will be awarded the title Gloucestershire Young Musician, the Oldbury Trophy, a £500 cash prize and three prestigious performance opportunities.

Entry forms are obtainable from music shops, schools or Colwell Arts Centre, Derby Road, Gloucester. Or they can be downloaded from the Gloucestershire Music website at www.gloucestershiremusic.co.uk.

The closing date is December 2.