A FORMER Blackburn school pupil has been named one of the country's top music teachers in an awards scheme.

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School old boy Richard Butler has won the secondary school section of the Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year competition.

Richard's proud parents Martin and Elspeth, of Chorley, who both taught at QEGS, were today celebrating the news.

"We are absolutely delighted because we know he has given everything he can to music in the area and has tried so hard to make it accessible," said Elspeth.

"He wanted to be a trumpet player right from the age of two and began lessons aged seven at Whalley CE Primary school.

"He really deserves this award and he got his desire to put something back when he was at QEGS -- he felt that he got so much out of school he wanted other youngsters to be the same."

Richard, now 33, who attended QEGS from 1981-88, teaches music at Ulverston Victoria High School where he is director of music. He received his award in London from Schools Minister David Milliband.