Malta has formally confirmed that it will host the junior Eurovision Song Contest next year.

It became a candidate after Gaia Cauchi's victory in Kiev.

Anton Attard, CEO of PBS signed the paperwork to confirm PBS’ undertaking as the host broadcaster for next year’s competition yesterday.

“We’re proud of our local girl, Gaia Cauchi winning Junior Eurovision in Kiev in December and want to continue to showcase our talents here,” he was quoted as saying on the contest's website.

PBS Chairman Tonio Portughese said Malta plans to engage thousands of school children in activities connected with next year's event.

"The JESC is a competition, but it is also a celebration of youth achievement," said Mr Portughese. "As a public service broadcaster and also a small island, our vision is to unite Europe in a musical feast."

Junior Eurovision’s Executive Supervisor, Vladislav Yakovlev, visited Malta this week.  “We’re really happy that Malta has signed the paperwork so quickly to host in 2014, and it now means that we can move with full steam ahead to next year’s competition! I have been very impressed by PBS’ enthusiasm for the contest, and look forward to working with them as the host broadcaster. It’s a bit of a cliché, but, the hard work starts now!”

He said Junior Eurovision 2014 would be unique in that there would not be a designated ‘host city’ for the event. Instead, it had been decided that the entire island of Malta would host of Junior Eurovision 2014.

The actual concert venue and dates still have to be announced but Mr Yakovlev visited several potential venues.