THERE were 88 entries for Bideford Town Band’s 26th annual solo and quartet contest held recently at Kingsley School in Bideford.

With entrants coming from all over the South West and Wales, Shebbear College was well represented with four players performing solos, duets and a quartet, under the guidance of Mr Adrian Edwards, the college brass music teacher.

Harrison Mitchell, Samuel Odlin, Archie Boycott and Jessica Alexander all played solos in their relevant age groups with Samuel being awarded 4th prize in his class of 16 players, just being beaten from 3rd place by half a point.

The best result of the day came in the Junior Quartet class when Archie, Samuel and Jessica were joined by Alex Cole from Hatherleigh School to play ‘The Pirates of Penzance’. After much deliberation from the adjudicator they were awarded 2nd place, just behind a quartet from Upper Rhondda! Samuel Odlin, on trombone, was awarded a special award for the best player in the quartet class and carried off an impressive shield as his prize.

A college spokesperson said: “Well done to all involved!”