PUPILS have sung and spoken their way to success at Derby Arts Festival.
Sinfin Community School scooped top prizes in the speech and drama section of the 105th event.
Organisers have hailed the festival a success after more than 1,300 entries were received.
Howard Jones, head teacher of the school, said: "We are very proud of our students' success, both those who won prizes and those who did not.
"They have all gained so much confidence and pride from performing.
"This spills over into the other work they do in school and improves their grades.
"On behalf of the students and the school I would like to thank all the volunteers whose hard work makes the Derby Arts Festival such a prestigious and rewarding event."
About 100 pupils at the school took part in the event.
Hollie Moore was awarded first place in the solo acting age 13 to 14 category for her performance as Reeny in Willy Russell's Breezeblock Park.
The 13-year-old, of Stenson Fields, said: "I was quite nervous to begin with but as soon as I got into my element I really enjoyed it."
Matt Vernon was first in the solo acting Shakespeare category for under 15 years. He performed a speech by Benedick from Much Ado About Nothing.
The 13-year-old, of Sinfin, said: "I don't do much drama but it's something that I want to consider in the future.
"My family were in the audience and they were amazed that I had won."
The festival ran until May 11 and took place at venues across the city, including the Guildhall Theatre and Derby Cathedral.
Also in the awards at the festival was Ockbrook School's chamber choir for their choral skills.
Students were marked as outstanding for their hymn singing, as well as winning the gospel singing category and choir recital class.
Alison Steele, head teacher, said: "The choir's success is something that is celebrated by the whole school.
"I am well aware of the huge amount of hard work and commitment that has been invested by everyone involved.
"Winning in all three of the section categories is a fantastic achievement, considering the high-quality competition that we faced from other local schools."
Barbara Doar, honorary secretary of the festival, said the event was a "great success".
She added: "It went absolutely great.
"We had some superb adjudicators as well as performances as audiences. I think everybody really enjoyed it as well."
Selected winners of the various sections will be invited to perform in the Festival Concert at the Guildhall Theatre on Tuesday.
