Barnsley Youth Choir has won two gold medals at the World Choir Games in Sweden, capping a successful summer for young musicians from the town. The choir's senior group, aged 14 to 24, triumphed in the gospel and pop categories at the event in Helsingborg, often dubbed the "singing Olympics", beating teams from countries including China, Indonesia and New Zealand.

The choir, which has more than 700 members ranging from toddlers to young adults, represented Great Britain at the competition before going on to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe. Separately, 42 pupils from the Barnsley Town Concert Band toured Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium in July, playing three concerts including one in Maastricht on the same stage used later that day by musician André Rieu. Barnsley Council and music service organisers praised the achievements, saying the experiences build young people's confidence and create lasting memories.