Boys who wish to train as choristers will benefit from a grant ensuring greater numbers get training scholarships at Hampton Court Palace.

The funding comes from the Garfield Weston Foundation, and means that every boy who applies will have a non-means-tested bursary for music lessons with the Choral Foundation.

Michele Price, manager of the Choral Foundation, believes the grant will make the choir accessible for to every boy with talent, creating a level playing field.

She said: "This funding will enable a boy with a heavenly voice and a fine musical ear to make progress, even in circumstances where family finances or school music provision makes it difficult to acquire or develop a good standard of musical knowledge."

The next chorister open day is on September 6; Ms Price can be contacted at choral.foundation@hrp.org.uk or on 07867 313460.