A GROUP of young musical maestros from Astley, near Leigh, swept the board at the Ramsbottom music Competition on Sunday and came home with every trophy and award on offer.

Young brass and horn players of all ages from Astley Youth Band claimed awards including the Trinity Trophy and the B&C Gregory Trophy, despite competition from many other young musicians.

The best performance of the day was given by 16-year-old tenor horn player Hannah Boardman from Atherton, who won the 15-17 year old class for the Roger Greenlees Trophy.

Her rendition of "Ballad for Samantha", a song about Hannah's music teacher's daughter, stunned the audience.

It is now planned to publish the song as a solo piece for tenor horn and brass bands.

Hannah was complimented by the judges on her tone, musicianship, phrasing and her playing sensitivity.

Her talents extend further than this however.

She is also an accomplished singer who plans to study A-level Music after her GCSE Music exam.

Hannah and the other winners, including Jonathan Smith, aged 11, Ernest Collier, 10, Fiona Snaith, 12, and 16-year-old Michelle Lloyd, will perform a special winners concert at Ramsbottom Civic Hall on Saturday, March 28.

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