MUSIC fans are in for a treat at a concert with a difference.

The 10th annual Penwortham Youth Music Festival opens on Thursday, March 14 running to Sunday, March 17.

Set in the tranquil surroundings of St Leonard's Church on Marshall Brow, Penwortham, nine local schools will perform everything from spoken word pieces to classical instrumental numbers.

Philip Walsh, organiser of the festival, is sure it will prove as popular this year as it has the last nine years.

He said: "It's a popular event. We have got about nine schools taking part and about 80 or 90 individual performances.

"It's not Pop Idol, but it's very informal and everyone will enjoy it!"

This year's event, chaired by Penwortham Mayor, Councillor David Bretherton, will see music performed by three different age-groups. Time is set aside for senior school choirs on Thursday, primary schools on Friday, piano and keyboard players on Saturday, and special schools on Sunday.

Judges will present prizes to the most talented performers, and all entrants will go home with a certificate. To decide on the winners, an expert panel will be presiding over the event, including Andrew Barratt, the conductor of Lytham St Anne's choral society, and local music teacher Philippa Barratt.

Four unique trophies are up for grabs, with first, second and third places getting prize money ranging from £1 to £30.

Entry to the event is £2 and £1 from 7.30pm today and from 7pm tomorrow. On Saturday, the event takes place from 9am to noon and 1.30pm to 4.30pm, entry is £1 and 50p, and on Sunday from 2pm and 6.30pm, entry is £1.50 and 55p.