Most people would be delighted just to meet the Queen, but a group of young Oxfordshire musicians had the chance to play for her at a garden party held at Buckingham Palace.

The Wood Green School concert band received rapturous applause and a standing ovation after performing at a Duke of Edinburgh's Award supporters' function.

Forty members of the sixty-strong band played in front of the Queen and Prince Philip, and Prince Edward and his wife Sophie.

The pupils performed in turn with the Military Band of the Blues and Royals and played selections from the Lion King and Chicago and numbers by rock band Queen, among others.

They had been chosen to play from bands across the country after submitting a CD to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award head office.

A total of 38 other people from Oxfordshire also attended the event, including award coordinators, volunteers, and representatives from the county council and consultancy firm Amey, which supports the award in Oxfordshire.

County councillor Michael Waine, who attended the event, said: "It was a very special day, and our young musicians put on a fantastic performance. Congratulations to everyone."

Wood Green School headteacher Cynthia Savage said: "It was a very great honour for the school and more importantly for the young people to be chosen to play at such a prestigious event, and the wonderful memories of the day will stay with them for the rest of their lives."

She added: "The Duke of Edinburgh's Award group at Wood Green School has seen significant development over the last few years through the leadership of award coordinator, Kevin Slater."

The number of awards achieved by young people in Oxfordshire has increased by just over 50 per cent since April 2004, and at any one time in the county, more than 3,000 youngsters are pursuing an award.

The awards are a non-competitive programme of cultural and adventurous activities for people aged from 14 to 25, aiming to encourage personal development.