A two-year-old boy continued his family's long-standing connection with a music festival by handing over a trophy donated by his great-grandfather.

William JD Dixon, from St Bees, presented the Will C Dixon Trophy to The Harriet Malone Singers at Whitehaven Musical Festival on Saturday.

The trophy was donated to the festival about a century ago by William's great grandfather, whose name he shares.

Bill Dixon, William's dad, said: "The trophy was donated before my father Donald was born in 1935. We aren’t sure of the exact date but think it was between 1910 and 1935. Will was a big amateur music supporter."

"My partner Natalie and I were so proud of William who was professional and handed it straight over to considerable applause. The singing was excellent too."

The family own Dixon's, Whitehaven's independent department store, and William's grandfather, Donald, was unable to attend because he was at a furniture exhibition in Germany, visiting a supplier.

Performers have been treading the boards at the annual festival, which was held at Whitehaven's Marchon Club for the first time in three years due to the pandemic.

The festival featured entrants from across west Cumbria, taking part in a selection of singing, instrumental, and speaking classes.

The Harriet Malone Singers won Vocal Ensemble, with choir members Emily Murphy, Elizabeth Murphy, Jasmine James, Jasmine Tubman, George Hargreaves and Nell McCabe.

Harriet Malone said: "Harriet Malone singers and performers had a wonderful time at the Whitehaven Musical Festival. We were so excited to get a chance to perform having not had a festival since 2019. We would like to thank all the organisers, accompanists and helpers for making sure the festival could go ahead this year."

Other wins for the Harriet Malone Singers were: Jasmine Tubman - Girl's Solo Under 10 George Hargreaves - Boy's Solo Under 10 and most promising beginner pianist Jasmine Tubman and George Hargreaves (joint 1st) - Folk Song Under 12 Harriet conducted a choir from West Lakes Academy who won both Youth Choirs Under 18 and Senior Choirs 12- 18 years.

Her daughter, Serena Malone won: Poetry 11 and under Story Book Reading under 10 Solo Verse Speaking 8-10 years