A TALENTED young musician from Droitwich is celebrating after being chosen to play for one of the country's most prestigious youth orchestras.

Gareth Ceredig, of Ombersley Road, who plays percussion, piano, and the French horn, has clinched one of 150 coveted places in the National Young Orchestra of Great Britain.

"I was absolutely thrilled and also surprised as it was the first time I had attempted to get in," said the 14-year-old.

Worcester King's School pupil Gareth will join other talented musicians for a series of two-week residential courses with the Oxfordshire-based orchestra during January, Easter, and the summer holidays.

Each course will end with a performance at some of the country's finest venues, including Birmingham's Symphony Hall.

Gareth's dad Huw added: "I am very proud of him. To gain entry into the orchestra the minimum criteria is a distinction at grade eight - and amazingly, Gareth managed to gain this in percussion at the age of 12."