A RISING star from Droitwich has been selected to play in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

Talented Gareth Ceredig of Ombersley Road has clinched one of just 150 coveted places in the 2004 orchestra. The 14-year-old is now preparing to start the Oxfordshire based orchestra's prestigious course in January.

Gareth said: "I was absolutely thrilled and also surprised as it was the first time I had attempted to get in. I can't wait to start in the New Year and with also playing for the National Children's Orchestra (NCO) beforehand I am definitely keeping myself occupied."

Gareth will join other talented musicians for a series of two-week residential courses at Radley College during the New Year, Easter and summer holidays, each of which will end in a performance at some of the country's finest concert halls, including Birmingham's Symphony Hall.

Dad, Huw Ceredig said: "I am very proud of him. To gain entry into the National Youth Orchestra, the minimum criteria is a distinction at grade eight and amazingly Gareth managed to gain this in percussion at the age of 12.

"He is very busy at the moment though. Not only does he play in the Worcester Symphony Orchestra but also plays the French horn in the Worcestershire Youth Orchestra. He is busy rehearsing most nights."

The musician, a pupil at King's School in Worcester will have the chance to work with some of the world's leading conductors and be taught by many professional musicians.

Huw added: "Gareth is very happy to be selected and is looking forward to starting the first course."

Gareth showed his musical gift from a very early age and used to play his drum kit from the age of five. By seven, he had also taken to the piano and took his grade eight percussion examination aged12.

Gareth will be pretty well prepared for his new role, since he has been playing percussion in the National Children's Orchestra for around eight years and is believed to be the orchestra's longest-serving member.