TALENTED performers from Aireborough battled it out in a Rotary young musicians competition.

Fourteen students from St. Mary’s Menston, Horsforth, Guiseley and Benton Park took part in the local heat of the competition.

The event, which was staged at Benton Park, was well supported by parents, siblings, Rotarians and music teachers. The heat was organised by the Rotary Club of Aireborough for the fourth time.

An Aireborough Rotary spokesman said: "Six of the performers were pianists who had the extra challenge of playing an electric piano – not an easy task compared to the usual upright acoustic version. Other instruments comprised flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone and the seldom heard viola and recorder. Composers chosen ranged from Bach to the ever popular Einaudi.

"The competition was split into two age groups and once again the standard was very high giving the adjudicators, Elizabeth Kenwood and Mitzi Whitham an unenviable task in choosing two winners.

"Ben Pritchard, a trombonist from Benton Park School, won the KS3 category giving a stylish and confident performance with Pièce en fa mineur by Morel. In the KS4 and 5 section Oliver Horan, a pianist from St. Mary’s, lyrically played John Field’s Nocturne No. 6 in F major with warmth and sensitivity."

Every performer received a certificate from president Tony Scaife, and a £50 cheque was presented to each of the winners who will now go through to the district final in York on March 13.

Aireborough Rotary thanked Benton Park's head of music Dave Pritchard for hosting the event, and also thanked all the accompanists and supporters.

The event was organised and compèred by Aireborough’s chairman of education and youth activities, Rotarian Brian Whitham.