Corinium Players Guitar Ensemble marked their 20th anniversary with a celebration concert.

On Saturday, current players, the CP alumni and friends and family all attended the special concert and supper at Cirencester Baptist Church.

Music was heard firstly from the current players, followed by the senior players and the concert closed with a grand finale by 50 members from over the 20-year span.

The ensemble was set up in 1999 by dedicated local classical guitar teachers Sandra and Trevor Dukes, whose objective was to develop a group that would enhance the musical education of youngsters through their involvement in ensemble performances.

Children at the group use a range of classical guitars which is required to produce the balanced versions of both classical and popular music.

While most of the guitars are owned by the students, Sandra and Trevor also carry out essential fundraising activities required to acquire the more expensive instruments.

Some of the members have gone on to play for the National Youth Guitar Ensemble and study at respected collected such as the Royal Northern College of Music and Trinity College London.

Sandra said: "Being a CP member builds their confidence and they learn a skill for life.

"The group has also contributed to numerous charities (local and further afield) through participating in organised events, busking and putting on special concerts."

Over the years the ensemble has different formations but today it comprises of a junior, intermediate and senior section who play classical, Spanish, Latin and popular music.

Together they perform an assortment of music from traditional Spanish and Latin American guitar music to popular classics and easy listening standards.

The group has been able to perform alongside, and be coached by, some of the UK’s finest players, including Helen Sanderson, head of music, Guitar Circus, the Vida Quartet, Gary Ryan, the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet, Craig Ogden and the Segovia Trio.

They have been on three international tours: twice to the International Guitar Festival, Bad Nauheim, Germany and once to the Gitaarspektakel, Kamermuxiekfestival in Holland.

In 2016, members of the group performed at a private champagne reception for HRH Prince Edward as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Diamond Anniversary Celebrations.

In their spare time Sandra and Trevor lead work on the World Youth Guitar Festival, a full-board classical guitar festival for 8-18 year olds of any ability that is held every two years in the UK.

All members of the Corinium Players Ensemble past and present would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to Sandra and Trevor Dukes for the tireless work they have put in to running the CPs over the last 20 years.