The competition is again being generously sponsored by The Melton building society with £1,000 for the winning school and £500 each for the two runners-up.

The idea behind Music Makers is to celebrate and promote music in schools and we've kept the format as simple as possible so everyone can take part and have some fun.

School groups, ensembles, choirs, orchestras and bands (ie not individuals) of any age can enter.

Our photographer Jim Harrison will then visit the school to take a still photo for the paper and video a short performance (under five minutes) for our website www.meltontimes.co.uk

Tony Rifugiato, owner of the Mel-Tone music shop in King Street, and music teacher Sheila Aston, organiser of the Rotary Young Musician of the Year competition, have kindly agreed to shortlist the entries. The final judging will be conducted by an invigilator from outside the area.
Schools are NOT restricted to a single entry.

Karen Middleton, The Melton's marketing manager, said: "The Melton, in supporting our local community, has sponsored Super Schools for the last two years and is pleased to continue to do so.

"This year's competition, involving music within schools, takes a different approach to previous years as it enables team work to come into play.

"We hope that schools will take the opportunity to participate in such a local competition and look forward to see many excellent performances on the Melton Times website."

Editor Michael Cooke added: "This is a chance for budding musicians to shine and win a share of £2,000 to boost music in their school.

"It doesn't matter if your group has just taken up the recorder or been playing or singing for years – we want to hear from you all."

To enter, complete and return the coupon to Music Makers, Melton Times, 49 Nottingham Street, Melton, LE13 INT. You can also enter online at www.meltontimes.co.uk

• Click here to find out more about The Melton building society