A VALE school orchestra struck a chord with judges to win a trophy in a music competition.

Pershore High pupils clinched the English String Orchestra Cup in the 16 years and under class in the Worcester Competitive Arts Festival.

Conducted by Nicola Raggett, they played an arrangement of Sousa marches by Tony Mason and James Rae's swing arrangement of Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho.

"The students played really well and, above all, enjoyed themselves," said head of music Helen Witherick.

Meanwhile sixth former Christopher Catford has won a county award for his artwork.

Christopher, of Wadborough, won a first prize of £200 at the Malvern Hills Decorative and Fine Arts Society competition with his painting "It's okay for men to cry".