Diss resident and Guildhall School of Music and Drama singing teacher Susan McCulloch, has enjoyed a hat-trick of success after her latest student won the Gold Medal - the school's most prestigious prize for an outstanding soloist.

Diss resident and Guildhall School of Music and Drama singing teacher Susan McCulloch, has enjoyed a hat-trick of success after her latest student won the Gold Medal - the school's most prestigious prize for an outstanding soloist.

Gary Griffiths won the award earlier this month, and his win follows the previous successes of soprano Katherine Broderick in 2007 and mezzo-soprano Anna St�phany in 2005, two other students of Susan McCulloch who were both also First Prize Winners at the Kathleen Ferrier Awards.

Now in its 94th year, the Gold Medal competition is for singers and instrumentalists who compete in alternate years for this celebrated prize, which includes a sum of �1,000 alongside the medal, donated by The Worshipful Company of Musicians. Previous winners include cellist Jacqueline du Pr�, violinist Tasmin Little and singer Bryn Terfel.

Mr Griffiths said: 'I feel very honoured to receive this award; it is very poignant for me having been at the Guildhall School for five years and I would like to thank my wonderful teacher, Susan McCulloch. Without her this would not have been possible.'

Ms McCulloch added: 'I am absolutely thrilled to pull off such an exciting hat-trick - it's a real testament to good teamwork between teacher and students. Gary sang extremely well on the night and had worked most diligently in the run up to the finals, coming to my home in Diss for some extra sessions to build up to the rigours of the final.

'My teaching is something I am passionate about and having such good students to teach is a privilege. But I also love my life outside teaching at my home in Diss and love the pace and quality of life here. Truly the best of both worlds.'

As an established international soprano, Susan McCulloch's solo career spans all fields of the classical music world. She has performed at some of the world's most acclaimed venues including the Glyndebourne Festival, ENO, Chatelet in Paris, de Nederlandse Oper in Amsterdam and the New Year Opera Galas at the Royal Albert Hall. Susan has worked with some of the finest classical music talents including Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Sir Charles Mackerras, Mark Elder and Bryn Terfel.