A music competition for primary schools has been hailed a success.

The Inter-Schools Primary Music Challenge was devised by Edward Jackson, director of performing arts at Pelton Community Primary School, to encourage pupils to sing and play an instrument.

Four schools - Pelton, St Margaret's in Durham, Chester-le-Street CoE and Red Rose, in Chester-le-Street - competed on a league basis in three categories, solo voice, instrumental and choir.

St Margaret's topped the league table with 20 points, Chester-le-Street CoE was second with 12, Red Rose third with nine and Pelton gained five.

"I was absolutely delighted with the competition. We have had many positive responses.

"Next year, we will do on a zone basis with nine of ten schools and a grand final at the end of it.

"It will get bigger. The idea is to give as many children as possible an opportunity to participate in music."

The St Margaret's team received a trophy from Jan Wilson, the acting head of Durham County Council's Music Support Service.