FIVE young clarinet players were given the opportunity of a lifetime on Friday when they took part in a masterclass with one of the country's leading musicians.

The class, at Canon Slade Performing Arts College, was taken by celebrated international clarinettist Emma Johnson.

Pupils Hannah Wright, aged 17, Thomas Campbell, aged 14, both from Canon Slade, were joined by Ashley Gavin, aged 17, from Thornleigh College and Victoria Kerby and Becca Humphreys from Chethams School in Manchester.

Ms Johnson, who won the BBC's Young Musician of the Year in 1984, performs and gives masterclasses all over the world and was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list in 1996.

She said: "I like to give classes like this whenever I have the time. It is vitally important to encourage young musicians and to help them with tips on playing and public performance."

Ms Johnson performed a concert at the college on Thursday evening with the New Century Strings, before giving the class on Friday morning.

Hannah said: "I think it is fantastic to get a chance like this to pick up tips from one of the leading players in the country. And the concert was simply mind-blowing."

Rob Wilding, Community Arts Manager at Canon Slade, said: "The concert was brilliant and these youngsters will pick up important tips they will remember for the rest of their professional lives."