Worcester Cathedral and the University of Worcester have teamed up to offer three new scholarships for students in 2012.

The choral scholarships are open to young men with counter-tenor, tenor and baritone/bass voices and are aimed at encouraging young singers to become part of the long-standing tradition of cathedral music while pursuing a course of study.

It is hoped to attract a broad range of singers from different backgrounds over the years and to introduce and extend the opportunity offered to young musicians.

Scholars will receive £2,000, paid in instalments over 12 months, private singing tuition and support from a principal lay clerk. In addition to regular services, the post will give an opportunity to sing with the cathedral choir in concerts, recordings, tours and the world-famous Three Choirs Festival for which additional remuneration will be paid.

The Very Reverend Peter Atk-inson, Dean of Worcester Cathedral, said: “We at the cathedral are delighted at this new joint initiative with the University of Worcester which will further strengthen the magnificent choral tradition of the cathedral and extend the growing partnership between the cathedral and the university.”

The choral scholarships follow the recent announcement of 100 new £1,000 scholarships at the university which are funded by Herefordshire businessman Clive Richards and four £2,500 scholarships funded by the Worcester, Bosch Group.

In addition, there will also be 200 national scholarships of £3,000 each available for students starting in September 2012. These will be made up of a £2,000 fee waiver and a £1,000 scholarship as prescribed by government. One hundred and one of the scholarships are paid for by the university to match the 99 paid for by government.

The scholarships will begin on September 5, 2012.

For more scholarship details call Christopher Allsop, assistant organist, on 01905 732917.