Abbey Road launches anthem competition

London's Abbey Road recording studios is marking its 80th anniversary with a competition to find "the great anthems of our time".

The initiative will give composers the chance to record their anthem with the London Symphony Orchestra at the world famous studios.

General manager Jonathan Smith said it would give entrants "an opportunity to have their work performed and recorded at the very highest standard".

Entries must be received by 15 July.

"I can't think of a better way to celebrate 80 years of excellence than creating new music," said composer and conductor Eric Whitacre, one of four judges who will select the winning entrants.

"From Elgar to Radiohead, Abbey Road has hosted the very best. We want to find the great anthems of our time."

Best known for its links to the Beatles, the studios opened in 1931 with Sir Edward Elgar conducting the London Symphony Orchestra