TALENTED pupils took to the stage to compete in the fifth Young Musician of the Year awards, hosted by the Rotary Club of Tottington and Bury West.

Students from Tottington High, St. Gabriels R.C. High, Bury Grammar (Boys) and Derby High schools battled to retrieve the coveted title from last year's winner, violinist Poppy Weatherall, of Elton Community High School.

The schools were contacted by the Rotary Club, who asked music department staff to nominate a musician to take part.

Each pupil performed two pieces, with wind and brass instruments dominating the programme. The judges listened to a mix with pieces by Mozart and Haydn alongside contemporary choices, including a song by popular artist Vanessa Carlton.

But although performances from clarinet, trumpet, trombone and flute players were of the highest standard, the judges selected a vocalist as the overall winner.

Louise Rogan sang Mozart's "Voi Che Sapete", followed by Woodhouse and Hammerstein's 'Bill'. Rotary Club Member Alan Turner said: "Louise had a lovely voice, but the judges were faced with a very difficult decision, as all of the entries were outstanding. It was a great evening, it went down really well with a good contingency of parents and other guests who attended. It was really good to see the children show people how talented they are."