A BUDDING young violinist from Westonbirt has been awarded a place at a prestigious youth orchestra.

Westonbirt Preparatory School pupil, Jemima Price wowed judges in competitive audition at the National Children's Orchestra to book her place.

Jemma, who is aged 9, has been playing the violin since the age of three and hopes that studying at the school will help her fulfil her ambition of becoming music teacher and musician.

Mr Neil Shaw, headmaster of Westonbirt Preparatory School, said: “We are very proud of Jemima as it is highly competitive to gain a place on the National Children’s Orchestra. We have every confidence that she will shine.”

The year 5 pupil, who comes from a decided the violin was the instrument for her after attending an orchestra rehearsal with her father when she was aged two.

“I went to a rehearsal with dad when he was at the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and there was this violin player called Ruth who was leading the orchestra.

“I watched her play and knew that was what I wanted to do. I begged my parents to get me a violin which they did when I was three.”