Blue Peter and Strictly Come Dancing star Gethin Jones last week launched the 11th Texaco Young Musician of Wales competition. The competition, sponsored by the Chevron Pembroke Refinery and Chevron's marketing brand Texaco, and organised in partnership with Côr Meibion De Cymru (the South Wales male voice choir), was officially launched at St. David's Hall in Cardiff, which was announced as the new venue for the final next year. Gethin, a passionate musician who achieved grade 8 violin and grade 6 piano, is hoping to encourage talented youngsters from across Wales to enter the Texaco Young Musician of Wales 2008/09 competition. "Having grown up around music I know what a difference it can make to your life, and I am extremely excited about being involved in such a prestigious competition with fellow Welsh musicians," he said. "I would encourage all young musicians interested in music to enter the competition. All opportunities should be grabbed with both hands and I believe that this would be an amazing experience for any young musician." Open to young Welsh instrumentalists aged up to 20 years old, the competition is also being supported by last year's winner, Glain Dafydd, who performed at the launch on her harp. The young musicians will compete in a series of preliminary rounds and regional finals later this year. The top five competitors from the regional selection process will take part in the final at St. David's Hall in Cardiff, on March 7, 2009. Phil Thompson, manager policy, government and public affairs at Chevron's Pembroke Refinery, said: "This is a brilliant opportunity for Wales' young musicians. Not only will they be competing for the prestigious title and trophy, the winner will receive £1,000 prize money and all finalists will get the chance to perform in the national concert hall for Wales. "The competition has built up an excellent reputation since it began in 1989. Many past winners have travelled the world performing and this prestigious title is a fantastic stepping stone for future success. "I'm pleased that this year, we have attracted the support of Gethin Jones. He is a famous presenter and talented musician who younger people look up to and I hope his enthusiasm and passion for music will once again attract a high standard of entries to the event." In addition to the £1,000 prize for the winner, second and third placed finalists will receive £750 and £500, respectively, with the two other finalists taking away £250 each. If they are based in Wales, the music department at each of the finalists' schools will also receive a donation equal to that won by the individual. All finalists will have the opportunity to play with the Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra as part of the competition. Entry forms are being distributed to Welsh schools and youth orchestras and can be downloaded from http://www.texaco.co.uk/youngmusician">www.texaco.co.uk/youngmusician. Alternatively, contact Ken Crowle of Côr Meibion De Cymru on 029 20 843631 for more information and a form.