MUSIC teachers at a Trowbridge school are singing the praises of pupils who took second prize in a national music festival in London.

The John of Gaunt brass band may have to squash into a small classroom for practice sessions, but their efforts paid off as they beat competition from some of the country's top youth bands.

The 36-strong brass band, aged between 11 and 18, wowed judges at the National Festival of Music for Youth with their performance at the capital's Royal Festival Hall, securing the highly commended award for a second year running.

Director of music Phil Springate likened the students' achievements to the tale of David and Goliath.

He said: "Here we are at John of Gaunt struggling to find a place to rehearse. It is amazing we are up there with these bands of the highest order.

"It makes the parents and music staff immensely proud of them.

"The standard is so high, so to come up with this award for two years running is remarkable."

The six-day music festival is Europe's largest, with 10,500 people taking part in this year's event.