THE winner of this year's Yvonne Walkerdine Music Bursary award is to star at a gala concert in the Forest Church, Drybrook on Saturday March 5.

The evening will feature performances from flautist Matthew Mann, 16, from Ruardean.

It will also include items from the Drybrook and District Male Voice Choir with conductor Sheila Woodward as well as instrumental pieces by the Forest Flute Choir under musical director Fiona Crawley.

Matthew is currently in his GCSE year at Dene Magna School and is hoping to go on to John Kyrle High School in Ross to take A-levels, after which he says he would like to pursue a career in music. He was awarded the £400 cash prize last November and was immediately booked to play in this concert.

A spokesperson for the bursary said: "This is going to be a really outstanding evening. There is an amazing array of talented musicians in this area who are all giving up their time to support the development of this new musical bursary.

"We are delighted to welcome Matthew back to play for us and to give him this special opportunity to showcase his talents. He is a very well known face in many of the Forest's musical groups and we hope that all his peers will come and support him."

Sarah Waycott, musical director of the male voice choir, added: "We are very pleased to be supporting such a great new bursary for young musicians in the Forest and are proud to be sharing the stage for the evening with Matthew. Good luck Matt!"

The Yvonne Walkerdine Music Bursary has been formed as a tribute to an outstanding community musician and teacher who sadly died in 2008.

The concert begins at 7pm and tickets will be available at the door (refreshments available).