A youth choral scholarship programme run by one of the leading choirs in West Wales has received significant support from Valero Pembroke Refinery.

Côr Dyfed Choir, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, attracts singers and audiences from across the three counties, and is famed for its repertoire that includes pieces from the Renaissance, early baroque period, such as those by Monteverdi and Lassus, through to more recent times with works by Rachmaninov, Duruflé and Poulenc.

The choir’s well-regarded scholarship programme - open to young people who love singing aged between 16 and 25 - is currently supporting three talented young singers, and the choir recently received a donation of £1,000 from Valero to support the initiative.

Côr Dyfed Choir chair, Sue Russill, said: “This donation from Valero is a great help towards supporting our Youth Choral Scholarship, which offers young singers a chance to develop their skills and musical expertise, and we are incredibly appreciative.”

Valero Refinery public affairs manager, Stephen Thornton, said: “We are delighted to help Côr Dyfed Choir with its amazing scholarship scheme for young choristers. One of the things that is very important to us at Valero is helping facilitate charities and organisations to support young people in our community and it is a real pleasure to see talented local youngsters make the most of this opportunity with Côr Dyfed Choir.”

Côr Dyfed Choir will be performing Verdi Requiem at St. Davids Cathedral on Saturday, July 15, with the British Sinfonietta and singers from the St. Davids Festival Chorus. Tickets are available from www.stdavidscathedralfestival.co.uk or 07506 117901.