Pupils from schools across the region have been competing in classes in recorders and woodwind instruments for the first phase of the festival.

Eileen Elliott, publicity manager for the festival, said: "The adjudicators were very pleased with the standard this year.

"Paul Dewhurst came all the way from Bolton for the advanced classes – and he was very impressed.

Rhona Davison won the Avril Dankworth Cup for descant recorder solo, Charlotte Christensen was awarded the Ede Trophy for the highest mark in a solo recorder class as well as carrying off several other trophies.

Rebecca Lawson gained the Normanton Barron Memorial Cup as well as the Ebor Trophy for her U14 oboe solo.

Chantry Middle School and Hirst Park Middle School each carried home several trophies for their trios, consorts and ensembles.

Many other players also won trophies, as follows: Beth Dibben, Chloe Corrigan, Lyria Christensen, Marion Peters, Deborah Logan, Katie Littlewood, Erin Wareing and Harriet Sorrie; Charlie Rowbottom and Tom Clough, Catherine Simpson and Grace Bloor; Stephanie Littlewood and Katie Harrison, Katie Littlewood, Rebecca Reed and Deborah Logan; Bridie Bloor and Beverley Logan; Anna Christi, Dean Clark, Danielle Francis, Chloe Brown, Clare Kennedy, Ben Steel, Regina D'Oyley and Clementine Goodings.

Morpeth All Saints C of E Aided First School won the U9 recorder band.