Littleborough teenager named runner-up in Young Chorister of the Year 2021

Photo: BBC/Tricia Yourkevich

Young Chorister of the Year 2021: winner Ruby (left) and runner-up Mila from Littleborough (right)

A Littleborough singer has been named the runner-up of the joint BBC Radio 2 and Songs of Praise Young Chorister of the Year 2021 competition.

Mila, 14, was named the runner-up of the contest on Sunday 5 December behind winner Ruby, 16, of Guildford.

In a festive feast for the ears, the final took place with six talented hopefuls performing favourite Christmas songs and carols in the stunning surroundings of Salisbury Cathedral.

The programme was hosted by Songs of Praise presenter, Aled Jones, and the panel of expert judges - Lesley Garrett, Howard Goodall and David Grant - selected the winner and the runner-up.

Both Mila, who attends Wells' Cathedral School in Somerset, and Ruby each receive a trophy and a recording session with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.

Now in its 35th year of broadcast, Young Chorister of the Year celebrates young talent singing for worship in churches, chapels, cathedrals and beyond. Hundreds of contestants from around the UK, aged from 10 years up to and including 16 years, entered this year.

From those entrants, five girls and five boys were then selected to compete in two heats leading to the final where the six best girl and boy choristers in the UK performed their chosen Christmas carol or song in front of the panel of judges.

The programme also included a performance of John Rutter’s Angels’ Carol.

Matthew Napier, Series Editor, Songs of Praise says: “It was wonderful to have such a range of exemplary young choristers from across the UK singing their chosen pieces in the magnificent setting of Salisbury Cathedral.”

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, says: “After our successful partnership last year Radio 2 is delighted to team up with Songs of Praise again to bring this amazing competition to our listeners.

“To hear all those young voices perform is mesmerizing and I’m sure it was a very difficult decision for the judges. Congratulations and well done from everyone at Radio 2 to all the finalists, but especially to the winner, Ruby.”

Both the television and radio programme are available to watch and listen to for 30 days after broadcast on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds, respectively.