WHEN he fell in love with the sound of brass at the age of eight, Jonathan Murray's ambition was to join the Golborne Band.

Five years on, he has won a place at the prestigious Royal Northern School of Music - despite never sitting a formal exam, and dreams of becoming a professional trumpet player

And he can put his success down to the help of Golborne Band stalwart Bob Houlten, who taught him the cornet.

Jonathan, of Dawlish Way, Golborne, started his musical career playing the recorder at Golborne CP School.

He decided he wanted to be a village bandsman and took lessons from Bob before joining as the youngest player at nine.

Then his rise to success began. As well as playing with the Golborne band, he joined the Wigan Youth Brass Band, where he has been promoted to principal cornet, and he also plays the principal trumpet in both the Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Wigan Youth Orchestra.

His talent was spotted and parents, Mike and Linda, were advised to send him to music school.

He auditioned at the Royal Northern College in May and was told on the spot he had been accepted for the junior school.

But he will remain a pupil at Golborne High during the week and take classes in Manchester on Saturdays, along with weekly home tuition from top trumpet tutor, Murray Greig.

He has been sponsored by the Hindley and Abram Grammar School Foundation.

Mrs Murray said: "His whole life is music. He just loves playing.

"I don't know where he gets his talent from. We certainly aren't musical. I have a cousin, Stuart MacOnie, who has worked in music and had contracts with the BBC for years doing the I love 1970s series and written a biography on Blur. He's the nearest I can think of."

When Jonathan starts classes in September, he must also learn the piano.

Mrs Murray, who works in the office at Lowton High School, said: "We are looking for a good-quality, second hand upright piano for his use at home.

"He's told me when he's famous he's going to give me a credit card, but all musicians seem to be on another planet."

Anyone who can help should contact Mrs Murray during August on 272893.