A TEENAGE composer from Chelmsford has won a national competition with a piece of music she wrote about the First World War.

Elspeth Manders, a student of Chelmsford County High School for Girls, took home first prize in the South Berks Concert Band’s 2013 Young Composer of the Year award.

To celebrate she and her family were invited along to hear her work called We Remember which commemorates the First World War at a concert in Reading.

South Berks’ musical director Paul Speed said: “The band members were particularly impressed with the musical skill and imagination demonstrated by Elspeth, as writing for a 40 piece ensemble is a daunting task for even the most seasoned composer.”