TWO young violin players from Kidderminster are celebrating after passing their music exams with flying colours thanks to a little help from their mum.

Hannah and Rebecca Sutton, of Stoney Lane, who first started playing their instruments five years ago, were taught using a "parent intensive" tutoring method.

Nine-year old Hannah, who attends Sladen CE Middle School, received honours in her grade three exam and 13-year-old Rebecca, who attends Kings Charles I High School, passed her grade four exam with distinction.

The sisters were taught by music teacher, Mary Howles, from the Worcestershire Music Service, who uses the Suzuki method, which encourages parents to get involved in the teaching and learning process and attend their children's lessons.

That enables them to become home tutors and help their children with their music practice away from school.

Students are encouraged to listen to recorded performances of the pieces they are learning and to recreate the musical sounds. Once they have mastered the pieces, they are then taught how to read sheet music.

Paula, the girl's mother, who attended their lessons, said she was proud of her daughters, adding: "I think they have got a lot out of it and they really enjoy it."

She continued: "I have been able to fit in attendance of their classes around my own job. I feel privileged to have been able to work with Mary to help Rebecca and Hannah achieve their success. I have been able to encourage them despite having not played myself because I have been able to learn from their teacher."

Hannah and Rebecca were Mrs Howles's first pupils at St George's First School and Mrs Sutton said their performances in concerts and school assemblies had encouraged other children to give it a go.

The girls also attend the Area Music Centre at Wolverley High School, one evening a week, and play with the Worcestershire String Orchestra.

Mrs Sutton said: "We've found that it is really good, as it gets them together with lots of other people who play. They play with cellists and other violists and they have a concert at the town hall every year

"They get to play in Worcester as well which is absolutely fantastic - it is an inspiration for them," she added.