A 10-year-old violinist has become one of the youngest musicians to join the Greater Gwent Youth Orchestra.

Inglefield House pupil Ellie, who plays lead violin for her school orchestra, also belongs to the Senior Strings group at North Monmouthshire Music Centre.

She was only nine when the prestigious Gwent ensemble spotted her ability and invited her to play at their Christmas Extravaganza following just two mornings of rehearsal.

The Year 5 pupil has now been made a member and is joining the orchestra for a residential course during half term next week, and performing with them at a concert in Newport afterwards.

Ellie, who took her Grade 5 violin exam today (Tuesday, February 9), said: “I was very pleased to have been invited to play with such a big orchestra – for a girl my age it’s a very good opportunity.

“I love playing the violin because I enjoy playing different and challenging pieces of music, and playing in orchestras.”

The Greater Gwent Youth Orchestra consists of the county’s most talented musicians, including members who return from universities across the country to play with the group.

It ranks among the top orchestras in the UK, and as well as performing in some of Europe’s finest concert halls it has won numerous awards over the past 10 years.