Young singers are being offered the chance to give their careers a boost.

The 2001 Thames Valley Young Musicians' Platform helps young singers with local connections win promotional help and paid engagements.

To take part, singers must have been born, educated, living or working in Oxfordshire and must have been between their 20th and 28th birthday on January 1.

Previous winners of the event, which has been running since 1986, include Ian Bostridge -- now an international concert and opera singer.

The initial selection will be made from written applications and audition tapes.

The shortlisted singers will take part in the final auditions at Wolfson College on July 8.

For details, call Chris Yapp on 01367 860588 or e-mail info@oymt.org.uk