When school friends Jess Distill, Hannah James and Kathy Pilkington returned from university they decided to start a folk band.

Three-and-a-half years later, the trio have released an album, won the prestigious 2015 Isambard Folk Award prize and have a bevy of festivals lined up for the summer.

Said the Maiden speak to Hannah Worrall about their time at Sandringham School, Fairport Convention and the future...

First of all, who plays what in the band?

Jess, 28, sings, plays flute and the penny whistle. Hannah, 31, sings, plays mandolin and piano accordion and Kathy, 30, sings and plays guitar.

How did it feel to win the Isambard Award?

It felt pretty awesome! We won based on 50 words about the band, and a nine-minute video clip. Already we’re seeing the benefit, in terms of being offered more opportunities. It’s nice to be recognised for what we do.

What’s the history behind Said the Maiden?

We all went to Sandringham School and performed in the choirs and orchestras there. Then we all went to different universities, but discovered a mutual love for folk music when we returned to the area. We found Redbourn Folk Club and started going, just to hear other people sing, but soon decided it was something we wanted to try our hand at. The guys at the club have always been so encouraging and enthusiastic, we probably wouldn’t be doing what we’re doing now if we hadn’t started in Redbourn.

What have been the highlights of your time together?

There have been so many! Playing Folk by the Oak at Hatfield House was great. Releasing our début album was also really special, as it was self-recorded, self-funded, and self-produced, with help from Jess’ brother Steve. Last spring we were very honoured to go on a UK tour with the legendary Dave Swarbrick of Fairport Convention. He’s an incredible fiddle player, a lovely man and great mentor. And, of course, winning the Isambard Award!

Have you had any really great gigs? Or really bad ones?

One stands out as being particularly bad. We won’t name names or places, but we were playing in a pub on the same night that there was a big football match on, and there was a huge TV on the wall behind us, right above our heads. Needless to say, not many people were watching us! Most gigs are great in their own way, and we always take real positives away from all our gigs, but the two best for us personally, to date are Bristol Folk Festival, just because of the circumstances surrounding it, and supporting the Fisherman’s Friends at the Alban Arena. It was (and still is) the biggest audience we’ve performed in front of, and the Fisherman’s Friends make such wonderful music, and are the loveliest, warmest people you could ever hope to meet.

If you had to describe your sound, what would you say?

Three-part a capella harmonies, layered on their own or with a smattering of instrumental accompaniment.

What do you love about what you do?

Meeting new people and discovering new places. Being part of an incredible tradition and a really strong music scene. It feels like a big family, where musicians and fans are friends, and there’s no barriers between the artist and the audience. There’s no hierarchy or sense of ownership over the scene or the music. Everyone’s in it together and really help each other out. There are no egos in folk music, which is pretty refreshing.

Who inspires your music?

We’re mainly inspired by the songs and the stories. A lot of people draw comparisons between us and other groups who perhaps have a similar sound, but we never set out inspired by anyone in particular, or with the intention of emulating anyone else.

What are your plans for the future?

To just keep doing what we’re doing. Last summer we released our début album A Curious Tale. We’re hoping to record another EP this autumn.

For more information visit saidthemaiden.co.uk