JEMMA EVANS would not want to blow her own trumpet. But the cornet? That is another matter.

The Oxford music teacher is now an award-winning cornet player after blowing judges away at a contest in Wales.

Miss Evans, from Great Western Park, Didcot, was crowned the Best Soprano Cornet at the Whit Friday March contest in the Pennine village of Diggle.

She attended the competition, made famous by the film Brassed Off, with Wantage Silver Band, which came third overall.

Originally from Wales, Miss Evans earned an honours degree in music and has played in the Welsh and European Brass Bands. She now teaches music at Oxford Academy in Littlemore and is also managing director of Cold Ash Brass Band.

Commenting on her award, she said: “I am thrilled to have won this award as it came as a bit of a shock. To have beaten the soprano player from the famous Black Dyke band made my day.

“I am honoured to receive it on behalf of Wantage Silver Band.”

Representatives of the Wantage band plan to attend the awards ceremony in late June, to receive the Diggle Band Club Cup, a cheque for £400, and Miss Evan’s prize of £30.

Wantage Silver Band will give their next concert at Didcot Civic Hall, with the Reading Pipe Band, on Saturday.