Christian Aid has teamed up with Rockhill Music to launch a national competition to find new gospel talent to feature on an album launching in November 2008.

Following on from the success of Acoustic Gospel Volume (I), Volume (II) will raise money to help improve the lives of children in Africa through a variety of Christian Aid funded projects.

Regional auditions will take place in Manchester, Bristol, London and Birmingham between 19 April and 10 May 2008.

The grand final will take place at the Commonwealth Church, St Marks, Mayfair in London on 17 May during Christian Aid Week.

The winning solo artist, duo, group or choir will work with professional musicians, recording at a London studio during the summer.

They will also have the opportunity to perform at selected national events to mark the launch for the album, as well as representing Christian Aid at various live events and festivals throughout the following year.

£1.50 from the sale of every CD will be donated to Christian Aid.

The CDs will be sold through high street retailers including HMV and Wesley Owen and online at www.Acousticgospel.com

Dionne Gravesande of Christian Aid, said:' This is a very exciting project and Christian Aid is delighted to be working with Rockhill Music.

'Gospel music has a strong cultural and social background and reaches out to people of all ages.

'The album will not only give a new talent the chance to launch their recording career but will also be raising vital funds for a fantastic project helping children to build a better life for themselves.'

To register for an application pack logon to http://www.christianaid.org.uk/getinvolved/events/harmonise.aspx

or contact Oby Eriken oeriken@christian-aid.org or call 020 7523 2240.

Ends

For further press information contact Karen Hedges on +44 (0) 20 7523 2404 email khedges@christian-aid.org or Emma Wigley on +44 (0) 20 7523 2452 email ewigley@christian-aid.org.

Notes to editor

Christian Aid is an international development agency working in 50 countries with people of all religions and none.

List of audition dates and venues:

Manchester - Saturday 19th April 2008 at the United Church of God, 1 Rushford Street, Longsight, Manchester M12 4NL

Bristol - 26th April at the Assembly of the First Born, 108 Goodhind Street, Easton, Bristol BS5 0TB

London - 3rd May at the Commonwealth Church at St. Marks, 13-14 North Audley Street, Mayfair, London W1K 6DP

Birmingham - 10th May at the New Testament Church of God, The Administrative Centre, New Spring Street, Hockley, Birmingham B18 7LG

Rockhill Music was established in 2004 with the sole purpose of managing & promoting music with a positive message - music of all genres which is not only inspiring, but cutting edge. Rockhill sees this initiative with Christian Aid as an exciting opportunity for talented young people to be given a chance to showcase their abilities and express their music ministry - and also contribute to Christian Aid's vital work.