A SCHOOL orchestra has been disqualified from a Devizes music contest because it included a member of staff.

However the ruling by the directors of the Devizes Eisteddfod, held on Sunday at Dauntsey's School at West Lavington, has bemused rather than upset Michael Innes Williams, the principal of Kingsbury Hill House School in Marlborough.

The Marlborough mixed preparatory school's orchestra was judged the winner of the ensemble class.

However, following an appeal by St Francis School from Pewsey, the Marlborough school was disqualified and the top place went instead to St Francis' wind quintet.

The organisers said: "We had to disqualify Kingsbury Hill House School as their teacher played with them and the rules clearly state all players to be 11 and under."

On Tuesday Mr Innes Williams said there was confusion over whether teachers could play with the school orchestras or not. He said: "Last year the orchestra was not accompanied by a teacher and we were told that it could be accompanied."

Chris Thompson, director of the Devizes Eisteddfod, said:"In this particular class it is the intention to encourage young people to perform together as an ensemble.

"It was pointed out to the committee that one of the players was older than the age group and it was felt, after lengthy discussion, that they should not be allowed to take the first prize."