EX Ermysted’s pupil Patrick Ralphson and his fellow band members rocked their way to stardom at the weekend in the BBC talent show Little Mix The Search.

Patrick, 20, and the other members of Since September - Harry Holles, 22, Jacob Fowler, 20, and 21 year old Matthew Nolan, got through Friday’s semi-final before going up against three other group’s in Saturday’s live grand final.

And, after singing their version of One Direction’s Drag Me Down, they won the public vote and were named the overall winners.

Patrick’s mum, Molly Ralphson, a fundraiser at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice said the family, who live in Trawden, were still coming back down to earth after the weekend.

“What a night, we were so delighted when they said the winners were Since September. I don’t think I have screamed so much in my life,” she said.

“We had so many messages from friends and family and neighbours, it was a great night. We will be celebrating again tonight on Patrick’s return, I can’t wait to give him the biggest hug ever.”

The lads have spent the last several weeks fighting for the opportunity to join the girl band Little Mix in their next tour.

The series has been fraught with setbacks, with some contestants testing positive to Covid-19, and also the forced re-scheduling of the semi-final due to a BBC News Special covering the announcement of the second national lockdown by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Patrick, in his second year at the University of Manchester studying politics and German, plays guitar in the band, which was put together at the start of the show. He first started playing the guitar when he was seven years old, and has been a member of a few bands over the years, one of which opened the Bingley Live festival in 2018.

He says he was inspired to play the guitar from his dad, who plays bass guitar, and has performed with him at a few live gigs.

Before the weekend’s final, he said: “Being on stage playing music and singing is my dream come true. I am loving every minute of my time on the show, “ he said.

He added winning the show would be a ‘dream come true’.

“This is such an amazing opportunity for me. The thing I want most in the world is to stand on a stage in front of thousands of people and sing, play and rock.

“Winning this would see my dreams comes true, it’s such a fantastic opportunity and so exciting. The lads and I get on so well, we have been living in London together now for five weeks and we really are the best of mates.”

Dr Geoff Cloke, Head of Music at Ermysted’s, says he has watched Patrick’s musical progress since his GCSE years and commended him on his performance. And, headteacher, Michael Evans, added his congratulations.  “What a wonderful achievement. We are thrilled for Patrick and wish him every success in his burgeoning musical career.”