JUDGES praised the high standard of entries at the 79th Consett Music Festival, held recently.

Emily Barker, of South Moor, near Stanley, delighted the audience at the final session with her exciting piano performances.

Young singer Sarah Kelly won several classes including the Junior Vocal Recital and was recommended to go forward to the regional finals of the National Junior Competition for English Song.

There were also trophy-winning performances from choral groups such as Blackfyne School Choir, the Moonglow Barbershop Quartet and The Argus Singers, the cellist David Edwards and Scott Inglis-Kidger who played the small pipes.

Organiser Margaret Southworth said: "It has proved to be the best for many years.."

In the Brass sections, top marks went to Helen Douthwaite, from Hetton-le-Hole, Victoria Buddin, of Crook, near Bishop Auckland, Hetton Lyons School Band, and the Millennium Youth Band.

Kathleen Ireland, of Peterlee, swept the board in the senior vocal classes.

The festival committee is still to decide who will get its award for most outstanding performer of the festival.

"This year it will be very difficult to agree on the final decision," said Mrs Southworth.

She said the committee was planning to make next year a special event, to mark the festival's 80th anniversary.