This year's Cleveland Medal has been won by Mandy Griffin.

The mezzo-soprano took the honours last night in the last day of competition in this year's Manx Music Festival.

Mandy, who faced stiff competition from former winners of the medal Ernie Thorn and Terence Qualtrough, and three other finalists, Harry Galbraith, Hilda Harrison and Denise Groenwald, sang three pieces chosen from the works of Mozart,Tchaikovsky and modern composer Madelaine Dring. Mandy's accompanist was Frank Woolley.

The adjudicator was Mark Wildman, a Professor of singing who is currently head of vocal studies at the Royal College of Music.

Mandy says winning the Cleveland has been a lifelong ambition, and she couldn't believe she'd achieved it: (clip 1)

Earlier in the evening the finals of songs from the shows class was won by Geoff Collier who sang Old Man River, and the Billown Rose bowl awarded to the winners of the vocal duets final, went to Mandy Griffin and Karen Elliot singing two pieces from Pergolesi's Stabat Mater.

A programme of highlights from the evening will be presented by Judith Ley and John Kennaugh, tonight (Sun) at 9.00.