One of the island’s choirs was left celebrating after it took the honours in a UK-based international music and song competition.

Manx Voices, the popular ladies’ choir, travelled to the Bournemouth Music Competition, spending one busy day competing in four classes.

Their efforts were rewarded after being named winners in the choral part singing a cappella class, and also the single voice choir, taking home trophies that have been won in the past by choirs from all around the world.

They also came second in the Choral Sacred Song class.

Adjudicator Gaynor Keeble commented there was a ’wonderful sound from this choir with some beautifully supported singing’ and, in particular, highlighted the choir’s ’outstanding diction’, adding that they were ’top of the text’.

They achieved these successes despite being at half strength for the competition. Just over 20 members of the 40-strong choir travelled to Bournemouth, along with their musical director, Angela Stewart and accompanist, Julie Brew.

’It was a wonderful opportunity to sing at the Bournemouth Festival representing the Isle of Man,’ said Angela. ’The standard of the other choirs competing was extremely high. We were delighted to win of course, but it was also so enjoyable to hear different choirs with varying styles.

’Our thanks must also go to the Isle of Man Arts Council, who supported us with our entry to the festival.’