A harpist taught by a former royal harpist has been named the best young musician in Wales.

Heledd Wynn Newton, 20, won the first Pendine Young Musician of Wales competition at the North Wales International Music Festival on Saturday, September 30.

The final, held at St Asaph Cathedral, lasted two hours and was recorded by BBC Radio Cymru.

Ms Newton was awarded the Pendine Trophy and a £2,000 cash prize by Mario Kreft, the owner of the Pendine Park care organisation, which sponsored the competition through the Pendine Arts and Community Trust.

Finalists from North Wales included pianist Rufus Edwards from Bersham, trumpeters Alice Newbould from Flintshire, and Thea Ormrod from Betws y Coed, and harpist Annest Mair Davies from Mwnt near Cardigan.

Three vocalists also competed: Branwen Medi Jones from Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd, near Ruthin, Kizzy Lumley-Edwards from Cardiff, and Leisa Mair Lloyd-Edwards from Caernarfon.

Ms Newton, from Cardiff, has been playing the harp for more than 12 years and is taught by Catrin Finch, who was the royal harpist to King Charles when he was the Prince of Wales.

Her performance, which featured a range of compositions, was met with sustained applause from the audience.

After all eight finalists had performed, the panel of judges, which included Lisa Tregale, former principal of Chetham's School of Music Alun Jones, former royal harpist Alis Huws, and Dutch-born pianist Cyrill Ibrahim, decided on the winner.

The North Wales International Music Festival continues until October 7, with more details available at nwimf.com.

Ms Heledd said: "I've always been her number one fan. I remember going to her concerts when I was little and she's amazing. I'm so lucky to have lessons with her. I'm anxious to send her a text message to tell her I've won this prize.

"I've had a great time listening to all the other performers and there was a wonderful atmosphere here with wonderful acoustics.

"I'll use the cash prize to pay for music lessons. I'm in the third year of a Bachelor's degree in music and after graduating I may continue studying for a Master’s degree in performing at an Academy but I'm not sure about that yet."