ON behalf of the committee of the Yvonne Walkerdine Music Bursary I would like to use this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation for the level of support we have received throughout this year.

Many individuals and groups have assisted us most recently, as part of the Lydney Festival, Red Rug, an excellent jazz band from Monmouth, together with Osian Griffiths and Adele Franghiadi, both previous winners of the bursary.

Also, we extend our thanks to all the primary school children in the local area who took part in the recent primary schools' concert in the Lydney Festival, together with their teachers, parents and supporters, who raised the magnificent sum of £138 for our cause in their retiring collection.

We are truly grateful for the public support and interest that this annual bursary is receiving.

The Yvonne Walkerdine Music Bursary is open to all secondary school-aged students who reside within the boundaries of the Forest of Dean and applications can be sent to me from now up to the closing date of September 30.

No late entries can be accepted and a list of terms and conditions apply. These can be obtained from the chairperson, Fiona Crawley, 2 Crown Cottage, Crown Lane, Parkend, GL15 4JE.

– Fiona Crawley, Parkend.