TRUMPETER Alison Balsom has triumphed at the Classical Brit Awards.

She became the first British woman to win the "best female" prize at the awards, which were announced last night during a ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

The former pupil at Tannery Drift, Greneway, and Meridian Schools has become one of the world's leading trumpet virtuosos in the last few years, and was named Best Young Performer at the Classical Brits in 2006.

Alison, 29, saw off competition from opera stars Anna Netrebko and Danielle de Niese to capture the prize.