A CHORAL composer competition set up in memory of an East Lancashire singer is set to take place.

Jessica Foxley’s parents Margaret and Paul launched the Jessica Foxley Young Choral Composer Competition in recognition of her classical skills.

The former Westholme student from Colne, who died in a tragic road accident in 2009, was a keen musician having learnt classical guitar from the age of five, and later the cello and piano.

Young composers from across the UK were invited to take part, and out of 32 entries six have been chosen to go through to the final being held at the Muni in Colne on November 2.

The six finalists are Joe Davies, from Rugby, Fergus Hall from Greenock, Sarah Loughridge from Ballymena, Douglas McIntosh from Cannock, Owain Park, from Bristol and London-based Samuel Wilson.

The competition is being run in partnership with Keighley Vocal Union (KVU) Singers who will perform all six pieces during the 'FiNAL6' concert.

The pieces will be judged by a panel of judges, including highly regarded contemporary composers, Alan Bullard, with two age group winners being announced at the end of the concert.

Also taking part in the event will be guest soloists Thom Hardaker, accordian and Samantha Oxborough, mezzo soprano.

Pendle Youth Orchestra, who jessica performed with, will provide entertainment in the interval and immediately before the concert.

The choral competition is the latest venture for Jessica Foxley Music Projects.

Every year since her death young artists have been given a break on the ‘Jessica Foxley Unsigned’ stage at Colne's rhythm and blues festival.

Margaret Foxley said: “We wanted to broaden the scope of Jessica Foxley Music Projects, the aim of which is to provide great performance opportunities for young musicians.

“Getting the choir, which my husband Paul and I were both members of, to perform new pieces by young composers was an obvious step forward. So obvious we almost overlooked it “It will be a great opportunity for both the composers and the choir.”

After leaving school she had set her sights on a career in music. In July 2009, at the age of 21, Jessica died in a car crash along with her boyfriend, Tom Petty and his friend Philip Wright who was driving.

The show will start at 3pm, tickets are £5 in advance £7 on the door under 18’s free, to book call 0844 8884406, the Muni Box Office on 01282 661234 or go online to www.themuni.co.uk.