A Kidderminster-born string instruments expert has been appointed professor of music at the UK's premier school for classical musicians.

Mark Knight, 61, took up the violin as pupil at King Charles I School, aged 11.

"Mark wanted to take up the cello but I pointed out to him he had to cycle to school - and there was no way he could carry a cello on a bike," remembers his father Harry.

Now Mr Knight is to head up the strings section at Chetham's School of Music in Manchester. The school enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the world's best for young classical musicians.

Mr Knight had previously been tutor to Wells Cathedral Orchestra and Choir and professor of violin and viola at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where he specialised in the development of string instrument playing in the 17th and 18th centuries and in teaching performance techniques.

His pupils have gone on to join leading ensembles and orchestras, including the English Chamber Orchestra and London Sinfonietta.

Mr Knight and his sisters Jennifer and Jane grew up in Kidderminster, leaving for London in the late 60s when their father got a new job.

"We still keep in touch with a neighbour from all those years ago and have fond memories of the town," said Harry Knight, now living in Oxfordshire.