The Purcell School in Bushey has had its Patronage renewed by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales for a further five years.

The music school, which celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2012, has had its Patronage since 1985.

David Thomas, Headmaster at the School, said: "We are absolutely thrilled that The Prince of Wales will continue as Patron of The Purcell School.

"His support has been invaluable to the school’s mission of providing a world class musical education, and will continue to be so as we enter our second half-century."

The Purcell School, based in Bushey is a boarding and day school, educating 170 talented musicians aged from nine to 18. Over the last month, seven Purcell pupils have gained places in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, and more than 15 pupils have made it through to the second audition stage of the BBC Young Musician of the Year Competition for 2014.

The School puts on a large number of concerts every year, which are open to the public. Further details can be found on www.purcell-school.org.