A SCHOOL'S chamber choir is celebrating after they triumphed in their first attempt at the Cheltenham Festival.

The Chamber Choir at St Mary's Convent School in Battenhall, Worcester, fought off competition from four other schools, winning first place. Both of the songs performed at the Town Hall were classed as outstanding, with marks also awarded for beauty of sound, clarity of diction, sensitivity and musicianship of the performance.

Amanda Ballard, head of vocal studies at the school, said: "It's amazing. The group have only been singing together for 18 months and so it is a real flying start for them." The group have a busy few next months ahead, with a tour of Austria, a CD recording and concerts in Gloucester Cathedral and Pershore Abbey.