A Watford school has declared a fundraising concert to raise cash for a new music department a "night to remember".

Watford Grammar School for Girls is currently raising funds for a new music suite having "outgrown its facilities".

Judith Bridges, director of music at the school, said: "Professional musicians, pupils, parents, teachers and general public took their seats for what promised to be a night to remember.

"The concert began with the innovative jazz saxophonist Courtney Pine. Opening with a fantastic rendition of the Gershwin classic, Summertime.

"Mr Pine then went on to astound the audience with his incredibly impressive circular breathing - playing one continuous note for over two minutes as he strolled up and down the hall.

"He was accompanied by the highly acclaimed pianist Barry Robinson."

Violinist Tasmin Little and pianist Martin Roscoe followed with performances of Beethoven's Spring Sonata and Bloch's Nigun to rapturous applause.

The second half began with Bach's Brandenburg concerto No. two featuring soloists Miffy Hirsch, Kristina Greally, Debbie Goodyer and Steve Walker accompanied by an orchestra of parents, teachers and friends.

Tasmin concluded her solo appearance with her own arrangement of Albeniz' prelude Leyenda for Spanish guitar, which was followed by a terrific performance of Mendelssohn's Octet lead by Tasmin Little and including members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. 

The finale given by the Watford Girls' Choir featured Bohemian Rhapsody and I'm a Believer, accompanied by West End musicians Richard Pardy, Malcolm Melling, Andy Crompton, Steve Walker, Tim Goodyer and James Harrison.

Ms Bridges thanked all those involved for their support including Morrisons, Warner Brothers, Nandos, John Lewis, The Grove and Watford FC for their raffle donations.