Mansfield’s world famous Cantamus Girls’ Choir added to its numerous awards with medal success at the European Choir Games.

Cantamus not only brought home three golds and a silver in the Youth Choir, Sacred Songs, Unaccompanied Songs and Jazz and Music Theatre classes, but the girls were among six international choirs invited to sing at the opening and closing ceremonies of the festival in Riga, Latvia.

The 38 girls also appeared on television as hundreds of groups came together for the competition, which featured mixed choirs of many ages.

Well-known composer and conductor John Rutter told Cantamus director Ann Irons that he knew of the choir’s fine reputation and was pleased to see their high standard was continuing.

The artistic director of games organiser Interkultur invited Cantamus to its future events.

The girls were congratulated by people when they walked through the streets or travelled on trams.

On one occasion when they spontaneously burst into song, a tram passenger said he would not get off at his stop because he wanted to hear more.