VIOLINIST Elizabeth Heyes has beaten of tough competition to gain a place at the prestigious Royal College of Music.

Elizabeth, aged 19, of Bolton Road, Edgworth, competed against students from all over the world for one of just 20 places.

She said: "My parents and tutors have given me tremendous support and encouragement over the years and I am delighted as much for them as for myself."

Elizabeth started playing the violin at the age of six and by 13 she was the youngest member of Bolton Symphony Orchestra with whom she still plays regularly.

She has toured parts of Eastern Europe and Italy with the Lancashire Students' Symphony Orchestra and played in concerts broadcast on the BBC.