TWO talented youngsters from Royston have been accepted at top music schools. Greneway pupils Hollie Woodley and James Richardson completed successful auditions for the Guildhall School of Music and Royal College of Music respectively. Hollie, 13 said:

TWO talented youngsters from Royston have been accepted at top music schools.

Greneway pupils Hollie Woodley and James Richardson completed successful auditions for the Guildhall School of Music and Royal College of Music respectively.

Hollie, 13 said: "I'm really excited and I can't wait to start. It will be a great opportunity to work with some of the best music teachers in the country.

"It was a difficult audition and I really didn't think I would be accepted because there was some very strong competition."

Hollie, who plays the trumpet and cornet, wants to follow in the footsteps of Royston musician Alison Balsom, who also attended Greneway and the Guildhall School of Music.

"She's a really good role model and one day I would love to be as good as her. She was also a student at the school, so it's definitely a good place to learn," said Hollie.

Thirteen-year-old James, who plays the trombone, says he too, is excited about the prospect of learning from the best.

"It will improve me as a musician," said James.

"I'm looking forward to playing with the string instruments in concert, because that is something I haven't done before."

Emma Daintrey of Greneway School said: "We are all delighted for Hollie and James and this is a great tribute to all the hard work they have put in. Their commitment in and out of school has been fantastic."

Hollie and James are now seeking sponsorship for their placements. Their tuition fees are approximately £3,000 per year, and they have been busy appealing to businesses and organisations to help with the funding.

Mrs Daintrey added: "The school is currently looking at ways which we can help, and we are thinking of raising money through some kind of music concert.