PEMBROKESHIRE Schools Brass Band has won the right to blow its own trumpet after being crowned British champions.

Just four years after its formation, the county’s brass co-ordinator Hilary Lewis hailed an outstanding achievement.

She said: “This has been extraordinary progress for our young band. Having excelled in the national Festival of Music for Youth for three years, this is another fantastic moment for the band and shows just what musical talent we have in the county.”

With an outstanding performance at Salford University, Pembrokeshire’s 43-strong band conducted by Matthew Jenkins, beat nine other bands to win the under-18 section of the national youth brass band championships of Great Britain.

The band won £350 and the Brass Bands England Chairman’s Cup plus a banner and certificate of achievement.

The band was acclaimed by the judges after a beautifully polished programme which included the formidable test piece, A Colwell Suite composed by Philip Harper.

“Wow! This was a very exciting and lovely sounding band,” said adjudicator Mareika Gray, "and this was a sparkling performance.”

Her comments were echoed by fellow adjudicator Steve Pritchard-Jones who said: “This was a very good performance in all aspects and very well directed.”

Also included in their programme were Champions by Ryan Howells, All Through The Night and Bach’s Toccata in D Minor.

Said Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Ken Rowlands: “This is a remarkable result and my congratulations go to all those involved.”