Promising young musicians from North Ayrshire’s schools showcased their talents at the 97th Ayrshire Music Festival.

A total of 2,400 performers competed in over 300 categories at the event in Ayr Town Hall held between March 2 and 15.

Highlights included the North Ayrshire Junior Orchestra winning the Primary Shield; the Senior Orchestra being awarded a Distinction; the Senior Chamber String Ensemble were awarded the Chamber Music Trophy and the Intermediate Chamber String Ensemble came top of their class.

Pupils also won individual awards with St Matthew’s Academy pupil Niamh Milne winning the Sandy Lyle Trophy for the best performance in strings (open) competition and St Matthew’s Academy’s Suzannah Brandon being awarded the Loudon Challenge Cup.

Ardeer Primary’s Eve Gribbon was awarded a Distinction in her class while Emily Bennett from Auchenharvie Academy won the Scots Fiddle: Div B class.

North Ayrshire Provost, Councillor Anthea Dickson, said: “As ever, I am immensely proud of our talented young musicians.

“Their hard work, commitment and passion shone through in each performance as they gave their all at the festival finals.

“Many thanks to our instructors, music leaders, support staff and all the families involved in assisting this young group to realise their aspirational musical potential.

“What a fantastic team effort!”

50 musicians from P3 to P7 also came together to form the Ninja Strings group and played in the Anything Goes class.

Pupils who would like to learn an instrument or develop their skills should contact musicservice@north-ayrshire.gov.uk.