A BUDDING musician hit the high notes by landing a place at the world-famous Chetham's Music School in Manchester.

Gifted nine-year-old Alexandra Young, who plays cornet and piano, found out about her place when dad Colin rushed to Holy Souls' Primary School to hand her the letter the moment it arrived.

Alexandra regularly takes the stage with musicians twice her age as a member of Blackburn's St Mary's College Swing Band and plays first cornet with the Blackburn and Darwen Youth Band, where she has been a member since she was six years old.

She also plays with St Gabriel's School Orchestra.

"We are extremely proud of her and what she has achieved," said Colin, of Kingfisher Close, Blackburn.

"To be accepted for the Chetham Music School is remarkable. It is one of the leading establishments and people literally apply from all over the world for one of the coveted places there."

Mr Young and wife Eva have a younger daughter, Elzbieta, seven, who is following her sister's lead by learning piano and brass.

"They are both extremely gifted and enjoy their music and that is the most important thing," said Mr Young.

Alexandra has been taught piano by Jean Barnes, of Blackburn, and brass by Mike Leeson, who sub-contracts to Blackburn with Darwen Music services.

Mr Leeson, who also leads the St Mary's Swing Band, prepared Alexandra, a pupil at Holy Souls Primary School, Blackburn, for the Chetham's audition.