THREE talented youngsters have been awarded the title of Ripon's Young Musicians of the Year.

Forty students up to the age of 18 took part in what was billed as a celebration of young talent in the city.

Adjudicator Chris Small said: "Although I had to pick winners in each of the three sections, everyone who took part should be very proud of their abilities."

The winner of the Junior class of the competition, for those aged up to 11, was horn-player James Ash, from Ripon Cathedral Choir School.

In the Intermediate class, for 12 to 14-year-olds, the title went to 13-year-old violinist Rebecca Jennings, a student at St Aidan's School, Harrogate.

Eighteen-year-old tenor James Parkes, from Boroughbridge High School, won the senior class.

Each of the winners received a cup to hold until the next competition, a medal and a book token prize.

There were also book tokens for those placed second and third in each class.

The three winners have also been invited to perform again on Monday at the annual meeting of the Cathedral Concert Society.

The Ripon Young Musicians of the Year competition is in its second year.

It is open to young people living or at school in the HG4 postcode area.