Lowton school to host BBC Radio 5 live tomorrow as they launch a national competition

The news and sport station will visit Lowton Church of England High School on Friday, to encourage pupils to get involved in their nationwide search for talented young commentators.

The 5 live branded bus will be parked up in the playground, with BBC football correspondent and judge John Murray onboard, offering masterclasses and workshops in the art of commentary.

It’s the first of six stops at schools across the UK, as their bus tour will also visit London, Wales, Scotland, Sheffield and Birmingham.

The winner of 5 live’s Young Commentator of the Year gets the chance to spend a day with 5 live at a sporting event where they’ll have a go at commentating.

They’ll also get a behind the scenes tour of 5 live and BBC Sport at MediaCityUK in Salford along with receiving a Young Commentator of the Year trophy.

The competition is open to boys and girls aged 11 to 15, who will have to visit the website and choose one of the five clips online to commentate on featuring a variety of sports from football, tennis, rugby, athletics and rugby.

Entrants then record themselves in action and then submit their commentary using the web uploader.

A panel of experts will shortlist the final 20 who will face a judging panel made up of 5 live sporting commentators.

Julian Pollard, headteacher at the school, said: “Having the 5 live bus with us for the day gives the pupils of Lowton Church of England High School a chance get some tips from the top and receive some invaluable career advice from people who work on a national radio station.

“It’s also something adults can get involved with too as there’s an after school session where teachers and parents can get some hands on experience.

“We are really excited to welcome the 5 live team and hope it will inspire some of our youngsters to have a go at entering their competition too.”

The compeition closes on Saturday May 7, to enter visit bbc.co.uk/youngcommentator.