A singer is celebrating after winning a special prize at the Consett Music Festival.

Anne-Marie Gardener, 26, of Greencroft, near Stanley, won three classes at the festival last weekend.

She was also awarded the festival's special 80th anniversary prize of £80 for the best adult singer. This was donated by the festival president, Joe Parker.

Miss Gardener has won classes at Saltburn, Ryton and York music festivals, but believed her performance in Consett was her best so far.

Singing is a family affair - she follows in the footsteps of her mother, Kathleen Gardener, also a well-known soprano.