BUDDING pop idols at a Swindon school reached the final of a fiercely contested competition.

Students at Commonweal School had been taking part in the competition since January.

The three categories were instrumental, vocalist and battle of the bands.

The contestants performed for panels of teachers and their fellow pupils, as the rounds progressed.

Music teacher Helen Clements said: "We were really pleased with the standard of all the students.

"There was some really tough competition, especially among the singers.

"This is the second year we have had the contest and we couldn't be more pleased with the response."

The winners were Lauren Humphries from the vocalists, Matt Harris from the instrumentalists and Steaming Nina from the bands.

They all won a trophy and a day in a professional studio, donated by Mooncalf of Chiseldon.

Local band The P.I's and last year's winner, trumpeter Tom Thorpe, also performed at the final.

Trumpet player Matt was winning his second award in quick succession.

The 16-year-old was named Swindon's Young Musician of the Year last month after performing a challenging jazz solo in front of the competition judges.

He was put forward for the competition by his teachers at the Old Town school, which has a wealth of musical talent.

Matt and the school's other young talented musicians will be performing at Commonweal's Spring Chamber concert on March 18.