YORKLEY trombonist Rhiannon Symonds, 14, has been named as runner-up in the Arts Category of the inaugural Ambition AXA Awards.

Rhiannon attended an awards ceremony hosted by Carol Vorderman at the Royal Courts of Justice, London.

Judges were Alex James, former bass guitarist of Britpop group Blur, Laura Gander-Howe, director of learning and skills strategy at the Arts Council, Amanda Blanc, chief executive of AXA Commercial Lines and former head teacher, and chairman Sir Alan Steer.

Rhiannon impressed the judges with her dedication and talent. An online vote was then required to narrow the chosen semi-finalists down to three finalists and thanks to an overwhelming response from fellow musicians, friends and family Rhiannon rocketed into the final.

Rhiannon says: "It has been an amazing experience from start to finish. I'm delighted to be named runner-up as all the finalists were winners in so many ways – everyone is so dedicated to what they do that anyone could have won.

"I felt really privileged to have made it to the final and had a fantastic evening at the awards ceremony and in the posh hotel they put us up in.   Meeting Carol Vorderman, Karen Brady, Jason Bradbury from the Gadget Show and Alex James was incredible too. Thank you so much for everyone who voted for me to help get me into the final." 

The Ambition AXA Awards were launched in March to help support talented, ambitious and dedicated 11 to 18-year-olds in the fields of sport, enterprise, science, the arts, and the community.  Over 15,000 young people applied for the awards with the arts category receiving the most applications.  

Following a busy few weeks of competitive auditions and exams Rhiannon has been offered places in the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain, National Youth Wind Orchestra of Wales and the National Youth Brass Band of Wales and passed her Grade 8 euphonium with distinction.