A schoolgirl has won a prestigious piano competition.

RGS Worcester pupil Sasha Penlington, who is in Year 11, was awarded first place in the Broughton Piano Competition finals.

The competition was held on Saturday, November 16, at Broughton Pianos in Worcestershire.

Sasha competed against nine other highly skilled finalists, having been selected from more than 100 initial competitors during the audition rounds.

Her performance was praised for its 'maturity, poise, and musicality', earning her the top prize of £500, a cup, and a piano, which will be gifted to her piano teacher.

Headmaster John Pitt said: "We are incredibly proud of Sasha for this outstanding achievement.

"Her dedication to her craft and her ability to perform at such a high level is truly inspiring.

"This accomplishment reflects Sasha's and the strong musical tradition at RGS Worcester."

The Broughton Piano Competition was established to celebrate the company's 40th anniversary and highlights some of the finest young pianists in the UK.

The standard of performance at the finals was described as exceptionally high, far exceeding diploma level.

The competition provided finalists the opportunity to perform on a Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano.