LOCAL schools are celebrating "fantastic success" against stiff competition in the Hereford Performing Arts Festival.

It was the best result ever for the John Masefield High School in Ledbury.

The school's head of performing arts, Sam Goldup said: "This year we entered more categories than ever in Woodwind, Brass, String and Vocal competitions, and students wowed the judges, being placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in 28 classes, out of 37 entered.

"The School Woodwind ensemble, Sax Choir, Brass Band, Jazz Band and Chamber Choir won their classes, with trophies awarded to the latter three. The Jazz Band and Chamber Choir were invited to perform at the Gala concert, celebrating the best performances of the festival, the only secondary school ensembles being invited to perform."

She added: "The students performed extremely well, and that night the school was awarded the Secondary Choir of the Year Cup for the second year in a row and the prestigious Elgar in Hereford young Musicians' of the Year Trophy for the third time in four years. This is a fantastic success for the school, showing the range and quality of music that is put on weekly, and the commitment and passion of the students."

Bosbury Primary youngsters are also raising rafters in celebration, after winning the Herefordshire Performing Arts Primary Choir of the Year competition.

Competing against schools from all over the county, Bosbury School's choir brought the trophy home in dramatic style, clocking up 91 points, which was a single point ahead of runners-up, Hereford Cathedral School.

A total of 48 optimistic youngsters from Bosbury Primary recently travelled to The Courtyard Theatre in Hereford and they returned home as the victors.

Head teacher, Maggie Spence said: "Bosbury had stiff competition, but they sang their hearts out and won the competition overall, beating some other fantastic choirs.

“The choir at Bosbury make your spine tingle when they sing, thanks to their attitude and the talent of music teacher, Sue Walker."

Mrs Walker had nothing but praise for the youngsters.

She said: "I’m so proud of the children we had tough competition as the other choirs were amazing. Bosbury children just sang with so much energy and passion."

But despite their success, the choir will not be resting on its laurels.

Mrs Walker added: "The competition was judged to a high level and Bosbury was given a number of improvement points that will be worked on immediately."