A talented group of Alton College musicians wowed judges to win the Solent Sound music competition at Solent University in Southampton.

Benchy and the Gazers - Kat Jooste, Ben Piper, Finn Wood and Hugh McCusker - beat bands from colleges including Queen Mary’s College and Peter Symonds,

The judges praised them for their diction and control over their vocals, which they called “beautiful”.

A-level student Kat said: “We meet as a band every week, and leading up to Solent Sound we took a day to go over the three songs we wanted to perform.

“The stage at Solent Sound was nothing like anything we had performed on before. With all the cameras and the way we sounded while up there, it was all very exciting.

“It was very surreal when it was announced that we had won; the feedback we had received from the judges was very positive and it was wonderful to have been chosen to be the winners.”

Finn, who is doing the UAL level 3 extended diploma in music performance and production, added: “I had an absolutely cracking time at Solent University. It was very interesting to see the variety of music across all the colleges and I very much enjoyed watching all their performances.

“One thing I particularly enjoyed was the visuals behind us on the screen, as I think it made us look more professional and helped enhance our performance. It was a very fun experience.”

The students also won a £250 voucher for a guitar shop in Southampton.

Music teacher John Moline said: “The band write all their own material and are currently recording an EP as well as playing as many gigs as they can.

“I was told afterwards by the judges that their decision to award Benchy and the Gazers first place was unanimous.”