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´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 2 is proud to announce Jacquelyne Hill and Laurence Kilsby as the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 2 Young Choristers Of The Year 2009.

The Final, hosted by Aled Jones, presenter of Radio 2's Good Morning Sunday, saw four boys and four girls each sing two verses of a hymn and an anthem in front of an audience at St Pauls Cathedral in London on Friday 23 October.

Jacquelyne, from Tarring, Worthing, West Sussex, sings at St Andrews, Tarring; and Laurence, from Stow-on-the Wold, Gloucestershire, sings at Tewkesbury Abbey/Dean Close Preparatory School.

Lindsay Gray, Director of the Royal School of Church Music, chaired the panel of judges – singer Barbara Dickson, singer and vocal coach Carrie Grant and composer Karl Jenkins.

The evening also featured a special performance by Only Men Aloud, last year's winners of ´óÏó´«Ã½ One's Last Choir Standing.

Bob Shennan, Controller of Radio 2, comments: "These two talented young singers represent the best of religious choral singing in the UK.

"Radio 2 is delighted to recognise the contribution that young people make to choirs and music groups in places of worship across the UK and give their musical talents a national platform.

"Congratulations to both Jacquelyne and Laurence."

Each of the winners received a trophy and the choice of lessons with one of the UK's leading singing coaches. They will also get the opportunity to appear on national radio and TV including Good Morning Sunday and ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 4's Daily Service.

This annual competition, now in its 24th year, was open to choristers between the ages of 11 and 17 who sing regularly in a choir or music group, at services of worship of any denomination.

The Radio 2 Young Choristers Of The Year Final can be heard on Radio 2 on Sunday 1 November at 8.00pm.

SH