TWO of the most experienced adjudicators in the UK will be at a music and speech festival this year.

The Wensleydale Tournament of Song takes place in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, with the speech section running from March 17 to 19 and the music section from March 22 to 26.

The adjudicator for the speech is Marie Dixon, while Marilynne Davies will judge the music.

Tournament president Stan Roocroft said: "We have two of the UK s most experienced adjudicators, but this is not a cut-throat competition. Each competitor can enjoy their presentation knowing it will be well received at a well-attended session.

"This is a very interesting event with a wide variety of classes."

The event was founded 94 years ago and anyone living within a 25-mile radius of Leyburn can enter, which includes Darlington, Barnard Castle, Newton Aycliffe, Northallerton, Sowerby, Swaledale, Wensleydale and Coverdale.

Entries can be submitted up until January 29.

For the syllabus and entry form, contact Joan Foster on (01969) 663368.