YOUNG musicians from the Petersfield area under the guidance of a Horndean teacher added another string to their bow by winning a trophy and plaudits at a prestigious competition.

Members of the Petersfield Area Schools’ String Orchestra (PASSO) were delighted to be presented with the Youth Orchestra Cup in the Portsmouth Music Festival.

It was presented to them by adjudicator Christopher Hiron, who is a vastly experienced guest leader of chamber and symphony orchestras, performing in venues worldwide.

He gave an in-depth precis of their performance, finding their polka “good and lively”, contrasting well with the “nice smooth playing” of Schubert’s Lullaby.

He congratulated PASSO members on their commitment to string playing and awarded them a highly commended certificate too.

The youngsters had trained hard for the event, at Crookhorn College in Waterlooville, under the guidance of chamber strings leader Kate Taylor, of Horndean Technology College.

PASSO forms part of the Hampshire Music Service, funded by Hampshire County Council. Videos of the orchestra at the festival can be found at www.passo. hampshire.org.uk