A TALENTED music student from Wootton Wawen has won a major award after a London audition last month, which will help boost his highly promising career.

James Barralet, 22, won the Muriel Taylor scholarship, which involves an award of £3,500, for his exceptional musical talent on the cello.

He is currently a fourth year student at the Royal College of Music in Manchester and was one of three finalists who battled it out for the prestigious accolade.

This was just the latest in a string of successes for the young musician who has already won the John Barbirolli prize, the Martin Scholarship and the Nossek prize for Chamber Music.

And he has just returned from a 10-day intensive master class in Cornwall with world-renowned teacher and soloist Boris Pergamenschikow.

Mr Barralet said he was delighted to have won the award, named after a Professor of the Royal Academy of Music who died of Leukaemia in 1971.

Anyone who would like to support Mr Barralet, who hopes for a solo or chamber music career, can call him on 07812 035617.