A NEW musical competition for primary schools has been hailed a success.

The Inter-Schools Primary Music Challenge was devised by Edward Jackson, director of performing arts at Pelton Community Primary School, to encourage pupils to sing and play an instrument.

Four schools - Pelton, St Margaret's in Durham, Chester-le-Street CoE and Red Rose in Chester-le-Street - competed on a league basis in three categories; solo voice, instrumental and choir.

St Margaret's topped the league table with 20 points, Chester-le-Street CoE was second with 12 points, Red Rose was third with nine and Pelton scored five points.

Mr Jackson said: "I was absolutely delighted with the musical challenge and since then we have had many positive responses.

"Next year we will run the challenge on a zone basis with nine or ten schools and a grand final at the end of it.

"It will get bigger and bigger. The idea is to give as many children as possible an opportunity to participate in music.

"St Margaret's did very well indeed and I am very pleased for them."

The St Margaret's team received a trophy from Jan Wilson, the acting head of Durham County Council's music support service.