THREE talented young musicians have been named as Ripon Young Musicians of the Year.

More than 50 music students up to the age of 18 took part in what was billed as a celebration of young talent, at Ripon Grammar School.

The adjudicator was conductor Simon Wright, who travelled to the city straight from conducting the Classical Brit Awards at the Royal Albert Hall.

The event, which has run for five years, was this year restructured into five classes, with one for beginners and a non-competitive class for musicians of any age.

The winners of the three other classes were presented with cups and the title Ripon Young Musicians of the Year.

They were singer Aloise Hickey, for school years five and six, pianist Naomi Fay, for school years ten to 13, and singer Isobel Jennings for school years seven to nine.

The winners, and some of the other competitors, have been invited to perform in a concert at Ripon Cathedral on October 12 at 1.15pm.

Competition founder David Winpenny said: "We were delighted that the event was as much a celebration of good young music-making as a competition.

"Our three winners are worthy representatives of the talent that Ripon and the surrounding area produces.

"We are very grateful to Simon Wright for his excellent adjudication, and look forward to the 2007 Ripon Young Musicians of the Year competition."