A PAIR of gifted Malvern twins have claimed two top spots in the one of the world's most prestigious youth orchestras.

Eighteen-year-olds Alan and Adrian Uren have been appointed as leader and principal horn with the National Youth Orchestra (NYO) in 2002-3.

Meanwhile, another Malvern musician, 15-year-old violinist Alice Howick, has passed an audition for the orchestra at her first attempt.

Alice attends Malvern College, where she studying GCSEs, and is hoping to continue at the school with the International Baccalaureate next year.

The Uren brothers, who live on Christchurch Road, Malvern, attend Kings School, Worcester, on music scholarships, along with younger sister Heather, who plays cello, piano and sings.

The pair are studying chemistry and biology at A'Level, with Adrian also studying maths and music and Alan physics. Both hope to go on to read biology at university.

Alan, a national semi-finalist in this year's BBC Young Musician of the Year competition, said the news he had succeeded in his bid to be leader of the NYO had left him "almost speechless.

"I was incredibly pleased," he said.

Adrian is also "extremely pleased" to have been made be principle horn, echoing his brother in judging the appointment as the pinnacle of his musical career so far.

Mother Alison, a professional flute and piano teacher, said she was very proud of her sons' achievements, and expressed gratitude to their teachers, Janet Masters and Andrew Jones.

NYO spokesman Sophie Lomax said: "It's a fantastic achievement.

"This is their fifth year in the orchestra and to attain their current positions after beginning at the bottom and working their way up is quite amazing.

"It's wonderful to see both brothers progressing side by side and this year should see them develop even more."

A chance to see the talented brothers play alongside their mother, sister and other musicians is takes place at an Upton Arts Music Group concert at 3pm on Saturday, November 9. This takes place in the town's Memorial Hall.

Tickets are available on 01684 592310, or on the door.