A YOUNG musician from Ramsbottom has been chosen from hundreds of entries to perform at the opening ceremony of a school games tournament.

Harrison Jones, 14, will sing in front of thousands of people at the Phones 4 U Arena in Manchester on Thursday as part of the opening ceremony of the Sainsbury’s School Games.

The Woodhey High School student, who also plays guitar, will perform a rendition of the Katy Perry song Roar, as part of a group performance featuring three other singers and a backing choir.

Harrison, who taught himself guitar using the online resources and copying his favourite artists, recently appeared with his band Ammunition at Ramsbottom Young People’s Projects’s battle of the bands competition at Ramsbottom Civic Hall.

To prepare for the event - which is the start of a competition held across Manchester from September 4 to 7 to promote competitive sport in schools - Harrison played at the Sainsbury’s Heaton Park store in Prestwich.

He said: “Performing in front of thousands of people is very exciting but also a little nerve-racking.

“I’ve been making the most of the summer holidays and have been putting in hours of practice so now I’m just really looking forward to performing on a stage that has played some of the world’s biggest stars.”

Michael Broadhurst, manager at the Heaton Park store, said: “It was great to welcome Harrison into the store and see the performance that he’ll perform in front of the crowd in Manchester next month.

“The whole team at Sainsbury’s is right behind him and I’m sure he will do Ramsbottom proud.”

To show support for Harrison and the young athletes competing at the 2014 Sainsbury’s School Games, pledge a message online using #2014SSG, or on the campaign website, www.yourschool games.com/support.