Choirs have just two weeks left to enter prestigious singing competition

Lancashire Choir of the Year aims to encourage a wide range of choirs from communities, workplaces and schools to come together to showcase their talents.

Open to people from Lancashire, Blackpool, and Blackburn with Darwen, the popular contest sees singing groups record their best performance on video, in a bid to reach the finals.

Budding baritones and soaring sopranos of all abilities are welcome to take part, with entries closing at noon on Tuesday 30 July.

The deadline has been extended by an additional two weeks to allow choirs more time to enter.

County council leader Phillippa Williamson, together with a panel of top singing professionals, will judge the videos and select the finalists.

These will go through to a live final on 28 November to coincide with celebrations around Lancashire Day.

On the night, the panel will announce the overall winner, as well as runner up prizes and a 'People's Choice' award.

Last year's winners, Pendle Ladies' Choir were awarded a professional recording session after giving a lilting, cheerful performance of 'The Nightingale', as well as the more melancholic 'The Snow'.

County Councillor Peter Buckley, cabinet member for Community and Cultural Services, said: "Thank you to everyone who has already entered the competition. We've had lots of great entries so far but there's still time to get yours in.

"We are looking for something very special from across different ages and abilities with the emphasis on that wonderful community feeling seen previously in this groundbreaking competition.

"If you have previously entered, or never had a go before, we welcome entries, as the experience itself is fantastic for making music and building confidence alike. We encourage all eligible choirs to enter now."

For more information about the competition, including terms and conditions, and to see previous finalists' performances, visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/choiroftheyear