KIRKBIE Kendal School pupil Sam Nicholls, 16, has secured a place as a full member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

Sam, who travels to the Junior Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester every Saturday, will be one of seven percussionists from around the UK in the 165-strong orchestra.

“I’ve played with the orchestra on occasions before, including playing play drum kit in West Side Story and the first movement of Errolyn Wallen’s percussion concerto with the NYO Inspire Orchestra," said Sam. "But to become a full member is such an exciting step. It means I get to play with other dedicated young musicians in over 10 concerts across the UK including at the BBC Proms and on Radio 3.”

The orchestra is also looking forward to a United States tour next summer, including playing at New York’s Carnegie Hall with violinist Nicola Benedetti.