HISTORY was made at this year's Rainhill Schools Music Festival when a vocalist was chosen Musician of the Year for the first time,

Elizabeth Hardman, a senior pupil at Rainhill High School, earned the accolade for her rendition of 'The Laughing Song' in finals held at St Ann's Church.

The talented youngster topped an 128-strong entry of young musicians in sections comprising woodwind, strings, brass, vocal and piano. She won £130 in cash, the John Houghton Cup and Trophy from organisers the John Houghton Trust, and was also awarded £35 as most promising vocalist of the year - the first time a competitor has won two prizes.

Runner-up in the Musician of the Year stakes was double bass player Jonathan Brignall, who is also a pupil of Rainhill High School. He received £65 and a trophy.

Individual winners were: Senior - Gemma Louise Smith (flute); Intermediate - Simon Tan (piano); Elementary - Paul Roscoe (trumpet); Upper junior - Sarah Walton (piano); Lower junior - Oliver Geldeard (cornet).

The three senior winners, who attend Rainhill High School, each received £35. The junior winners, who are pupils at St Ann's School, were awarded £20.

Section winners were: Lower junior - Gemma Cunningham (vocal); Deborah Davies (strings); Laura Heaps (woodwind); Oliver Geldeard (brass); Coral McNeilly (piano).

Upper junior - Andrew Grindley (vocal); Natalia Cuevas (strings); Benjamin Geldeard (woodwind); Roisin Manning (brass); Sarah Walton, Rebecca Raven (joint piano).

Elementary - Andrew Dickinson (vocal); Julie Delaney (strings); Joshua Lau (woodwind); Paul Roscoe (brass); Robert Owen (piano).

Intermediate - Lauren Stewart (vocal); Jonathan Brignall (strings); Katie Wallbank (woodwind); Caroline Kirkham (brass); Simon Tan (piano).

Senior - Elizabeth Hardman (vocal); Gemma Louise Smith (woodwind); Emma Longworth (brass); Janine Woods (piano).

All 25 finalists received a trophy from Michelle Anders on behalf of the late Suzanne Anders.

Adjudicators were Edward Warren of the Royal Northern College of Music, Joan Foster, John Foster, Tony Hindley and Michael Jones.

Entertainment was provided by Oakdene Primary School choir, Rainhill High School band, St Ann's Primary School choir, Tower College, and Longton Lane Primary School recorder group.

The audience was welcomed by Reverend Liz Collison, introductions were made by John Leach, while the closing ceremony was conducted by Geoff Cottom.

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