GOODWICK Brass Band’s musical director has been voted Welsh Conductor of the Year for the second time in four years.

Matthew Jenkins was presented with the award in Merthyr on Saturday after leading Goodwick to runners-up spot in this year’s Welsh League Championship at their first attempt.

“This is a fantastic honour again and reflects the way the band have responded to some great challenges this year,” said Matthew.

“I’m only sorry that we couldn’t quite capture the Welsh title at our first attempt. Nevertheless, finishing runners-up represents an amazing achievement for everyone.”

Saturday’s South East Wales contest produced some outstanding playing and drew much praise from the adjudicators, two of Wales’ greatest brass band exponents, David Childs and Owen Farr.

They highlighted Goodwick’s classy solos, particularly from principal cornet Luke Jenkins, and commended the band on their rich sounds and good atmosphere.

“There was impressive playing from all quarters,” said Mr Childs.

“I must thank the band and especially their conductor for a fine performance of a taxing work.”

Winners of the Welsh title for the first time in their 103-year history was the band from Llwydcoed with City of Cardiff runners-up.

Apart from Matthew Jenkins’ award, the Goodwick bass (tuba) section won the Gerald Coleman Memorial Trophy.

Earlier in the day, the newly-formed Phoenix Brass from Goodwick finished runners up to Usk in the Fourth Section and gained two special awards. Gareth Ritter was best instrumentalist and eight-year-old Sam Howell was the youngest competitor in the third and fourth sections. Luke Jenkins conducted the Phoenix band, playing Dark Side of the Moon by Paul Lovatt Cooper.