A TALENTED young musician is enjoying a double celebration after achieving a coveted place in the Tees Valley Youth Orchestra and taking centre stage at Ripon's mini folk festival.

Florence Hall, a Year 11 student at Richmond School and Sixth Form College, has been accepted in the highly-acclaimed orchestra, which is the only full-size youth orchestra in the North of England.

The news comes after Florence performed as a soloist at the Ripon mini folk festival in the summer holidays, where she sang and accompanied herself on guitar. She is planning on doing some more concerts over the next year.

Florence is already working on grade 7 repertoire on her flute and intends to reach grade 8 in the near future. A keen and talented musician and vocalist, Florence has been learning the flute since she was ten and also plays the piccolo.

Florence is a key player in the school orchestra and concert band as well as a valued member of the choir. Florence will be rehearsing with the orchestra every Friday for three hours and taking part in concerts at various venues and occasions, as well as touring abroad.

Florence is taught by Philip Cull, the school's woodwind teacher and will continue to be a dedicated member of the school ensembles.

She said: "As I have worked very hard to achieve a good standard of flute playing, being accepted into TVYO was incredibly rewarding.

"Before the audition I had doubts about whether I would be successful or not. Music is a big part of my life that I appreciate now more than ever."

Music teacher Stephen Boyd said: "I am absolutely delighted for Florence.

"She is an extremely studious musician and is a hugely valuable member of our ensembles and department and I'm delighted for her."