FOUR young flautists triumphed in the final of the Banbury Young Musician of the Year competition earlier this month. (Mar) The quartet from Shipston High School, who call themselves Flutatious, won the prize for best trio or quartet in the competition, which was an open class for intermediates and seniors ranging in age from 11 to nine.

The four Shipston students - Rosemary Kernohan, Mackenzie Smith, Caragh Wall and Chloe Bird - who are all in Year 8, played an adventurous piece for four flutes by the composer Henry Purcell called "Walk Like This".

Despite a four year age gap Flutatious, taking part in their first competition final, beat off stiff competition from a sixth form quartet from Sibford School, where the competition was held, to win the Hoods Trophy and a cash prize.

Shipston High School head of music, David Hunt, said : "They played magnificently with an excellent ensemble sound. It was an ambitious modern piece with some very advanced techniques, complicated rhythms and timing but they performed brilliantly which is why the adjudicators justifiably awarded them first prize."

Headteacher, Jonathan Baker was equally delighted.

"Their playing was exceptionally confident and accomplished. I was especially proud to receive so many congratulatory comments from members of the audience afterwards. Our students were a terrific advertisement for the talent in the school," said Mr Baker.