YOUNG cellist Lydia Lee has been chosen to play in the prestigious National Youth Orchestra.

The 17-year-old from Rowde, who is a pupil at Dauntsey's School, West Lavington, under went two tough auditions before she learned last Friday that she had been accepted.

The National Youth Orchestra consists of 150 young musicians between the ages of 13 and 19.

Auditions take place every year and about 550 people apply from all over the United Kingdom.

Lydia will go on three intensive courses during the next 12 months and perform all over the country, including at the Royal Albert Hall, London, the Symphony Hall, Birmingham, and the Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Lydia said she was delighted at getting her place.

"I'm really, really pleased to be accepted with the National Youth Orchestra,'' she said.

"I will get to play in amazing places and work with top conductors and musicians.

"Everything is such a high standard and it's really good to be part of that."

Lydia, who lives with her parents and sister in High Street, Rowde, started playing the cello when she was seven.

She has played in the National Children's Orchestra and is principal cellist with Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Orchestra.