THE Copplestone Orchestra was formed last November with the aim of offering Keystage 2 children, who play musical instruments, the opportunity to play and perform together.

The orchestra currently consists of four violinists, three flautists, nine guitarists, three clarinettists and two pianists. The first project for the orchestra was to learn and perform a few carols as part of the school's Christmas Carol Service.

In January, the orchestra decided to take in the Devon Performing Arts Festival, where they received the Outstanding Performance Award.

Claire Kennedy, Instrumental Co ordinator of Devon Performing Arts Festival said: "I would like to congratulate the members of Copplestone Orchestra who took part in the Devon Performing Arts Festival with over 1,500 performances of instrumentals, keyboards, singing and speech and drama.

She added: "The festival is non competitive, but the adjudicator, Dominic Nunns awarded the Outstanding Achievement award to Copplestone Orchestra.

Francisca van Holthoon, founder and conductor of the orchestra explained: " It was a real boost to our confidence and an enormous encouragement to carry on!