TWO ABERTILLERY teenagers are fine tuning their notes after being selected to perform at the National Eisteddfod with new group Only Boys Aloud.

Philip Lowman, of Lower Lancaster Street, and Corey Owens, of Lancaster Street, are two of 140 teenagers from across the Valleys to be selected to form the group which is an initiative launched by male vocal group Only Men Aloud.

The 15-year-old Abertillery Comprehensive pupils will now take to the stage next Friday for their first performance at the National Eisteddfod’s televised opening concert in Ebbw Vale.

The group was launched as part of the Valleys ‘Heart and Soul’ campaign in a bid to find the next generation of Valleys male singers. It is funded by Principality Building Society Wales with additional support from Arts and Business Cymru.

Both boys signed up through their school and have been rehearsing with Only Boys Aloud and Only Men Aloud since April.

The groups will perform together singing ‘Sospan Fach’, ‘Calon Lan’ and current hit ‘Don’t Stop Believing’.

They will also perform at other events throughout 2010.

Corey said: “I have always loved singing. I am a bit nervous but excited as well.”

Philip added: “I am really looking forward to performing.”

The Eisteddfod runs from July 31 and 160,000 people are expected to visit during the week.