An international music festival held on the Isle of Man has been praised by its artistic director.

Mr Neil Black was commenting following the conclusion of the 3rd Barbirolli International Oboe Festival and Competition which takes place on the island following 10 years on the Isle of Wight.

More than 20 of the finest young oboe players in the world travelled the globe to reach the Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin for the festival which is renowned as the most prestigious oboe competition in the world.

Mr Black told festival director Dr John Bethell and its administrator Mrs Gloria Balakrishna: "I am so very delighted to have my gold-wrapped memento of a gold-wrapped week and to be able to remember the finest competition I have ever experienced of the many in which I have taken part.

Surely we had living proof of the power of music to bring out of each person present the very best they have in them, whether it be the competitors, the jurors or the wonderful administration and those so numerous volunteers.

People will look back and say 'that was the week when I was at my very best.’”

The festival final, which was held on Saturday 12th April, was attended by the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, Mr Adam Wood and the President of Tynwald, the Manx Parliament, the Hon Clare Christian who is also patron of the island's Year of Culture 2014.

First prize, The Evelyn Rothwell Memorial Prize of ?4,000 donated by Jim Mellon and a London Recital, went to Hannah Morgan who studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

Second prize, The Neil Black Prize donated anonymously of ?2,000, was awarded to Samuel Bastos (Portugal) and the third prize, The Jim Mellon Prize of ?1,000 to Nermis Meises (America).

Photo - Courtesy of Tony Lakin.