THE HUNT is on for a new logo for a regal Dursley choir.

The Oriana Singers has launched a competition to design a new logo to reflect the choir's identity.

The winning logo will be used on all pre-concert publicity material and its designer will receive a cash prize of £150.

The choir, which performs in and around Dursley and Wotton-under-Edge, has a large repertoire of classical music, ranging from church anthems and music by Handel and Bach to spirituals and modern pieces composed by director David Moss.

Secretary Mary Moss the Oriana Singers is a well-known choir.

"It was founded over 30 years ago and engages professional soloists and instrumentalists," she said. "The name Oriana derives from a 16th century term for Queen Elizabeth I. In a collection of madrigals written at that time, all the madrigals ended with the words "Long Live fair Oriana" in praise of the Queen."

Mrs Moss added that said the new design should be representative of the choir and should be simple, so that it appears effectively on A4 letterheads and posters as well as on large 4ft street posters, adding: "Its impact should be immediate and eye-catching."

Entries should be sent to Mrs M Moss, c/o Uley Post Office, 53 The Street, Uley, by Tuesday, January 20. They should be clearly named with a contact number and address. A self-addressed envelope should be included if unsuccessful entrants would like their design returned.

The winner will be announced in the Gazette at the time of the choir's main concert in Dursley at the end of March.

The choir's new season got underway this week when members started to rehearse for their Christmas concert in St Martin's Church, North Nibley, on Saturday, December 13.

The concert will include a performance of Pergolesi's Magnificat. In March 2004 the main concert in Dursley will be a rare chance to hear Handel's oratorio Belshazzar.

The choir practises in Dursley on Monday evenings.

For more information about the choir, or its search for a new logo contact Mary Moss on 01453 860801.