A GIFTED 11-year-old violinist from Worcester has narrowly missed out on winning a national talent competition.

Jessica Townsend, of Hyacinth Close, St Peter's, made it to the final nine of the Park Resorts contest, fighting off opposition from more than 4,000 other contenders.

The youngster, a Nunnery Wood High School pupil, entered the competition while on holiday in the Isle of Wight in August.

She progressed through two more stages until reaching the final on Tuesday in Scarborough.

"We are so proud of her," said mum Sharon.

"We enter here nearly every year in shows like this. She loves it, and we are delighted she did so well."