TRUMPET-player Emily Harding, 17, has won the £750 Margaret Rose Bursary organised by the Drybrook and District Ladies Choir.

She began her musical career at the age of 7 and has played cornet for the National Children's Brass Band as well as being principal cornet for the Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.

She played at the Royal Albert Hall as principal cornet for Gloucestershire Youth Brass Band in their first performance there.

Having moved to the trumpet, Emily is now principal trumpet for the National Youth Wind Ensemble and attends Wells Cathedral School to gain extra tuition to help her musical ambitions.

For a chance to hear both Emily and last year's winner, Ben Stratford, playing baritone, a concert has been arranged along with contributions from the ladies' choir on Wednesday July 18 at 7pm at Ruardean Hill Baptist Chapel. Tickets will be available on the door.

The choir is also seeking a deputy pianist and anyone who fits the bill can contact Barb Wright on 01594 542414.

The Margaret Rose Bursary is presented annually to an aspiring young musician from the Forest of Dean.