A TALENTED young musician from Worcester has added another string to her bow after winning a prestigious award.

Violinist Jessica Townsend, who appeared in the Worcester News in December when she was accepted to the National Children's Orchestra, has been granted £400 to help pay for a new instrument.

Music can be an expensive business, so Awards for Young Musicians gives up to £2,000 to talented five to 18-year-olds, which enables them to meet the expense of their hobbies.

Jessica's mother, Sharon, was thrilled with her daughter's achievements.

"Since Jessica appeared in the paper, she has gone on to win two classes in the Worcester Competitive Arts Festival in March and gained a distinction for her grade eight violin," she said.

"There would not be many 16-year-olds getting this mark at grade eight, so to achieve it at the tender age of just 12 years old is commendable indeed."

Jessica, of St Peter's, was among 106 musicians to benefit from the national charity's monthly awards.