A day of musical success was enjoyed by students from St Columba’s College when they went to the final of the St Albans Young Musician of the Year competition.

Both the Prep Choir and Bell Choir from the King Harry Lane school won places in the final after sending in recordings for the competition earlier this year.

The final, which was held in St Albans Cathedral, was divided into two sections – ensemble performances and solo performances.

The Prep Bell Choir came first in their category and were presented with a silver platter after playing Three Pieces for Hand-bell Choir by Kevin McChesney.

The 72-strong Prep Choir sang Ocean Commotion by D. Campbell and Dreamer by J. E. Bacak, emerging as runners-up in their category.

The final was judged by Robert Max who was a finalist in the BBC Young Musician competition in 1984 and has a varied and colourful career as solo cellist, conductor and chamber musician.