THE second Hereford Music Award has been awarded to fireman-turned-choirmaster Neil Pigott.

Neil, aged 43, instigated the Hereford Fire Choir in 1993 and led it for a decade before handing over to Jon Watson.

He left to pursue other ambitions, which included starting up the Voice Squad with music teacher Alison Houlbrooke.

The father of three juggles his work, family and music commitments, and least expected to take home the prestigious award - a maquette of Sir Edward Elgar.

"I did at least clean my teeth before I went out!" he said.

Although "bloody delighted" to have won, he admitted it was quite a shock.

Most of all he was pleased because it made mum Beryl - a former music teacher at Bishops School - really proud.

"There were people on that stage that she had taught," he said.

"She's also really keen on Elgar."

A cellist, Neil loves Elgar's Cello Concerto, though admits to not being able to get past the first few bars.

A great-great-grandad of his wife's used to cycle with Elgar - so connections are deep rooted.

"Apparently, as a chemist on the side, explosions were not uncommon at Plas Gwyn. He was a complete fire safety hazard and we'd have his house cordoned off if he was alive today!"

Neil started to sing at the age of 20, influenced by the writings of George Gurdjieff.

"I started to sing in that tradition and my interest in that continues," Neil said.

The Voice Squad has 27 members aged between 11 and 18, and sings world music.

"Working with Alison has brought another flavour to things," he says.

Working with teenagers poses its own challenges, and Neil is used to having to send three letters to homes prior to every event.

"I just go along, doing what I do, wondering why I do it...it's incredibly encouraging to be recognised in this way. And because I'm not too ancient, the people who made the award have made me honour-bound to continue with it!"

"I would like to acknowledge a great personal debt to the Music Pool, without whose support and encouragement I probably wouldn't still be doing what I'm doing, in the way I'm doing it."

l The award ceremony took place during a Herefordshire Youth Orchestra concert conducted by Hazel Davis and Sir Richard Mynors.

The ambitious programme included Wagner's Overture to the Mastersingers of Nuremberg, three Spanish dances by Moszkowski, a trumpet concerto by Alexander Arutyunyan played by Emily Dodsworth and Beethoven's Eroica Symphony.

Presenting the award was chairman of the adjudicators, Dr Roy Massey, who explained its background and said there had been 11 nominations, each representing excellence in the county.

"You are all winners and I salute you. It gladdened our hearts to read of the fine work being done," he said.

In making the award to Neil Pigott he said: "His musical initiatives have brought music and the experience of singing to many who perhaps would not have experienced it without his enthusiasm.

"Neil's performances over the years have also raised substantial amounts of money for both local and national charities."

This annual award is organised by the Elgar in Hereford Group in association with the Hereford Times and with the support of the Hereford City Council (details at www.elgarinhereford.co.uk).