A TALENTED young pianist has won a national scholarship with an internationally renowned musician but needs a new piano to fulfil his potential.

Chase School pupil Kyle Hutchings, aged 13, has only been playing the instrument for two years but London-based concert pianist Richard Meyrick spotted his ability and quickly offered to teach him.

However, the teenager only has a honky-tonk piano to practise on at his home in Kipling Close, Malvern, meaning he often has to stay behind after school to continue pursuing his passion.

Mr Meyrick, who is seeking help to find Kyle a new piano, said: “I discovered Kyle’s talent when presenting a masterclass at his school as part of my Pianoman Scholarship Scheme.

"I immediately spotted a young musician whose enthusiasm we felt we just had to encourage."

He added: "Kyle now has exciting opportunities ahead and will continue to receive free all-expenses paid tuition with myself in London, plus the opportunity to attend residential courses with other talented youngsters held in major universities and centres across the UK during school holidays."

Kyle's mother, Jenny Hutchings, said: "He has got a really old and not very good piano at the moment. The piano itself looks okay but it just the playing of it.

"Richard's concerns, and our concern as well, is with his level of playing it's not suitable for his needs anymore."

Mrs Hutchings added: "He plays for at least three hours a day. If he could, he would play all day and every day."

Kyle will be giving a piano recital in the Chase School's main hall at 7pm on Wednesday, April 30 to help raise funds towards the purchase of a new piano as well as showcasing his talent.

He will perform a programme that includes works by Mozart, Chopin, Grieg and Beethoven in a concert of two halves.

Tickets are £6.16, including a 12 per cent booking fee, from the Malvern Theatres box office on 01684 892277.

For more information or to help Kyle's search for a piano, call Mrs Hutchings on 07716818378.