The Loughton Youth Music Festival celebrated its 10th birthday last week with performances from a dozen of the district’s rising music stars.

Piano recitals, guitar pieces and vocalists entertained audiences and the guest of honour, renowned composer Jonathan Rathbone.

This event was the last to be run by Malcom Bell, who has been the driving force behind the festival for a decade.

Mrs Asha Bishop, head of music at Davenant Foundation school, said that a successor is being sought for the ‘valuable’ event.

She said: "The students always benefit hugely from performing alongside other schools in a non-competitive environment and hope that these Festivals will continue."

Taking part this year were Samiul Khan, Katie Marshal, James Bluff, Robert Ryan, Ashley Brand, Carmel Charles, Nadia Fundell, Chea Griffin-Anker, Tom Johnson, Victoria Bresnick, Joshua Gregory and Nick Hall.