A TALENTED young violinist from Worcester has proved she has more than one string to her bow by winning a coveted place in the National Youth Orchestra.

Jessica Townsend, from Hyacinth Close in St Peter's, beat off stiff competition from thousands of other young musicians to secure her position.

The 12-year-old Nunnery Wood High School pupil - who has been playing the violin for five years and is already Grade 8 standard - impressed judges with her renditions of Spring from Vivaldi's Four Seasons, and Svendsen's Romance.

She will now practise

with the NYO every school holiday - as well as continuing to play with

four other orchestras around the county.

Her mum Sharon said she was very proud of her daughter's achievements.

"Everyone comments on Jessica's natural playing ability and her quality of tone," she added