Romsey Youth Choir – formed just two years ago – have chalked up another festival success.

They earned a standing ovation with Hallelujah and One More Day at the Portsmouth Music Festival, winning them the Co-operative Shield, and praise from adjudicator Peter Wells for their “excellent style and sense of shape”.

This was followed by success in the T.E.Plater Cup for songs from the shows, where they performed On My Own and Do You Hear The People Sing?.

Conductor Marion Maxey said, “The choir are clearly going from strength to strength. They are so enthusiastic, love rehearsals, and are outstanding on the day. I’m so proud of them.”

The choir are based at Romsey Abbey Primary School, where they practise each week. Many members are former pupils of the school.

There was more success for Mrs Maxey with Romsey Abbey Primary School’s choirs, who brought home four trophies at the festival.

The infant choir won rapturous applause at a packed Park Community School in Leigh Park with their renderings of The Rainforest and Ocean Commotion which won the Hazel Fairbanks Memorial Cup in the topic class. They also won the George Ryan Cup in the assembly song and carol class with Little Baby and When the Spirit of the Lord.

Next it was the turn of the junior choir with Carol of the Drum and This Little Light of Mine winning the a hotly-contested Leo Minstrell Cup for assembly song and carol, and the Rotary Club Cup with their own choice of Lily and the Rose and Do Di Li.

Adjudicator Peter Wells praised the young singers’ style and finesse. “It’s been a pleasure to hear such well-prepared and polished performances,” he said.

Musical director Marion Maxey said: “I’m so proud of the children, who sang their hearts out against talented choirs from across Hampshire.”

Headteacher Louise Rosen added: “Music is such a strong feature of our Abbey School and our children really stood out. They were fantastic, and clearly enjoyed the experience.”

The choirs will compete at the Southampton Music Festival later this month.