Young musicians can get a little help pursuing a career thanks to a new award in memory of a promising guitarist.

The Ed Renshaw Music Award has been set up to help young people in south east London reach their potential by giving to musicians or groups up to £1,500, mentoring and support from Peter Conway Management, space to practice and perform at The Albany in Deptford and even a gig.

Former Thomas Tallis School pupil Ed Renshaw was born in Greenwich in 1981 and shined on the guitar from the age of 10.

Sadly he also struggled with depression and ended his life in 2011.

His friends and family held a charity gig at The Albany and will now donate the money raised for the prize.

The winner will get the chance to perform at An Evening for Ed on October 25 at The Albany.

The judging panel is composed of representatives from The Albany, Peter Conway Management and Ed’s family and friends and it is looking for entrants who not only have musical talent and performance skills but also original music, savvy business plans and the passion to succeed in the industry.

Applications are open to 16 to 25-year-olds from south east London before September 15. Go to thealbany.org.uk to find the form which should be sent to musicaward@thealbany.org.uk