Chorister of the Year win 'surreal'

Alastair won the senior title of BBC Young Chorister of the Year

A BBC Young Chorister of the Year winner has said victory in the competition felt "surreal".

Alastair, from Oxford, goes to Magdalen College School and won the senior title during the final on Sunday's programme.

When asked by presenter Aled Jones how he felt after winning the trophy he said: "I am absolutely over the moon." Judge Gareth Malone said Alastair was "blessed with a lovely voice".

His school said he had made an "extraordinary contribution" to music at the school.

In a statement Alastair said: "It feels so surreal to have won Young Chorister of the Year.

"I am very grateful for all the support – and excited about what comes next, and for the part music will continue to play in my future."

Jon Cullen, director of music at the school, said: "We are all delighted for Al, he is an exceptional singer who wears his heart on his sleeve and lives and breathes music.

"We are hugely proud of all that he has achieved and look forward to enjoying his rich bass voice for many years to come."

Alastair has been a chorister since he was aged seven

The Reverend Jane Willis is Rector at Dorchester Abbey, where Alastair takes part in evensong services and will be performing at their carol service, and said: "This is fantastic news, massive congratulations.

"I know all of us at Dorchester Abbey are over the moon for him and just so pleased to have him in our choir."

The Right Reverend Gavin Collins, Bishop of Dorchester, said: "Having recently heard Al sing as lead Cantor in a choral evensong service at Dorchester Abbey, I am thrilled that he has achieved this very well-deserved national recognition.

"Al sings with a clarity and confidence that is truly impressive, and that greatly enhances the worship that he is helping to enable."

Alastair is one of three Magdalen Choristers to have made it into the finals of the BBC competition in recent years, which is organised by Songs of Praise and Radio 2.

He joined the school as a chorister aged seven year's old, and has sung in various choirs and played in several ensembles since.