A LYME Regis-based choir is offering young musicians the chance to develop an interest in choral singing through its bursary scheme.

Lyme Bay Chorale has this week launched its Young Singers Bursary Scheme.

The scheme’s organisers want to encourage singers between the ages of 14 and 24 who are in full time education or taking a gap year to join the choir.

In return they can offer up to £150 per term to help with the cost of singing lessons.

Successful applicants will need to make a commitment to attend rehearsals in Lyme Regis and to sing in the concert at the end of each term of their tenure.

The choir’s musical director Alex Davies said: “We’re hoping to attract some new blood for the choir by getting some young voices on board, and to get young people interested in learning about the riches of the choral tradition too.

“Young singers are the future of choral singing, and we hope our beneficiaries will go on to develop their interest in this exciting field, whether they end up staying in the area or moving away.”

Anyone wishing to apply should complete an application form, available online at lymebaychorale.co.uk, and send it to Alex at the address given on the form. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an audition.

Lyme Bay Chorale is a soprano, alto, tenor and bass choir of about 25 singers, who usually give two concerts of classical and modern choral music each year at St Michael’s Church.

The choir has been running for almost 10 years and Mr Davies is also the organist at the church.

David Bruce-Payne, former organist and master of choristers at Birmingham Cathedral and second assistant organist at Westminster Abbey, helps at rehearsals and plays and conducts at performances.