A FORMER pupil of the Derby High School in Bury is hitting the high notes in military music circles.

Matthew Gray (23) has graduated from the internationally renowned Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, and has now set his sights on joining the Band of the Life Guards, one of the British Army's 29 regular bands.

Matthew joined the army last year in order to become a member of the the Corps of Army Music and completed his basic military training at Winchester, following which he was posted to Kneller Hall to complete musical training on the trombone and to study the cello.

Prior to joining the army, Matthew played with Todmorden Brass Band. He also studied at Holy Cross College and the University of Salford where he gained a BA (Hons) in music.

All military musicians have a mobilisation role as an "In transit medical attendant" and Matthew will now complete a three-week training course at the Defence Medical Services Training Centre in Aldershot.

After that he will be posted to the band of the Life Guards at Knightsbridge, London.

He will also complete a gruelling 24-week course at a riding school before eventually taking his place on mounted ceremonial duties, such as the Queen's Birthday Parade and the Lord Mayor's Show.