CALLING all Vale voices - the search has begun to find the Choir of the Year 2002.

Entry is free and open to all amateur UK choirs, from chamber choirs, gospel and barbershop choruses to school, church and youth groups.

There are four categories in the Sainsbury's sponsored competition - children's choirs, junior choirs, youth choirs and adult choirs.

All entrants are guaranteed a place in the first round regional auditions, which will start in February and run through to May, the nearest is in Coventry on February 23 and 24. The finals take place in November and the winner will get £4,000 in prize money.

Entry forms are available from Sainsbury's Choir of the Year, 2 Portland Road, London, W11 4LA or by ringing 020 7221 7883 or emailing scyc@kallaway.co.uk.

Closing date for entries is January 7.