TOBY Hughes is performing a double bass recital at St Swithun's Church in Leonard Stanley on Thursday, June 29, alongside Ben Powell on the piano. 

Toby started to learn the bass when he was just nine years old, as part of an initiative by Gloucestershire Music services to encourage students to play more unusual instruments. 

At the age of twelve he was offered a place with the National Youth Orchestra and later a scholarship to attend the Junior Royal Academy of Music in London. 

He has also studied at prestigious institutions in Switzerland, Berlin and Manchester.

Still only 24, Ben is at the top of his field. Last year he won the Bromsgrove International Musicians' Competition and he has been made a Junior Fellow at the Royal Northern College of Music. 

You can see him for free on June 29 from 7.30pm.