BOLTON’S most talented young musicians were recognised at an award ceremony.

Hundreds of youngsters watched and performed at the Bolton Concert Bands annual awards evening in the Pennine Suite at the Last Drop Village hotel in Bromley Cross.

The event is held by Bolton Music Service, a council-run organisation which handles music teaching in schools across Bolton.

The service also runs evening classes and ensemble performances for young musicians after school.

The awards ceremony involves children, aged four to 18, who attend the evening classes.

Deputy head of service Martin Kay said: “The evening went very well and we were very pleased with it.

“The hall was packed because it was a sell out event.

“There was some fantastic music played and everyone enjoyed themselves.”

Bolton Junior Concert Band musician of the year winners were Shannon Oates in the beginners’ category, Claire Fletcher at junior level and George Taylor at intermediate level.

Players’ player of the year was Robert Masters.

For a full list of the winners in all 17 categories, see The Bolton News website.

Winners: Beginner concert band - Shannon Oates; Junior concert band - Claire Fletcher; Intermediate concert band - George Taylor; Intermediate concert band special award - Nikita Vekaria; Youth concert band Tinniswood Trophy musician of the year - Jennifer Anderson; Youth concert band players’ player of the year - Robert Masters; Beginner percussion ensemble - George Baxendale; Training percussion ensemble - Leah Greaves; Intermediate percussion ensemble - Molly McLaughlin; Senior percussion ensemble musician of the year (shield) - Rebekah Cornes; Youth flute choir Leslie Watson Shield achievement award - Heather Jolley; Youth clarinet choir Leslie Watson Shield achievement award - Gavin Sharpe; Junior guitar ensemble - Callum Moller; BUMP musician of the year - Pippa Ault and Ben Hunt; Youth jazz orchestra Brian Lewis shield musician of the year - Thomas Hurst; Youth jazz orchestra section of the year - Trombones; Paul Woodhouse Memorial Trophy - Thomas Hurst;