TWO young musicians from the Ribble Valley have hit the high notes in a major national competition

Anthony Satterthwaite, 13, of Darwen Close, Longridge, and Mary Ann Wootton, nine, scooped some of the most prestigious trophies at the Blackpool Music Festival.

Mary Ann, a pupil at St Mary's Hall, the Stonyhurst College preparatory school, has now confirmed herself as one of the most accomplished young pianists and cellists around.

She won first prize in the under 10s and 12s sections in piano along with the Edith Wright trophy for overall prize winners.

Proud mum Debbie, of Inglewhite Road, Longridge, said: "She definitely wants a musical career now and is really enjoying making so many new friends, many much older then she is.

"She just seems to be able to pick it up really quickly and easily.

"It is amazing though that one minute she can be winning prestigious awards and the next just playing lego and being an ordinary little girl."

Anthony is a member of the Lancashire Students' Symphony Orchestra and, like Mary Ann, studies under Paul Greenhalgh at the Blackburn School of Music.

The 13-year-old won first prize in violin for the under 16s, second prize in the under 18s and second in the open all ages. In piano he won first prize in the under 14s and 16s. He also won the Aisha-Butterworth prize for best overall piano solo.

Mum Carmel said: "Anthony says he does not know exactly how or in what way, but music will definitely form a major part in his career, perhaps as a composer and conductor."

Paul Greenhalgh, director of music at Blackburn, said: "They have both done exceptionally well and it is great to see East Lancashire being represented so well at national events.

"Mary Ann has shown exceptional promise and both youngsters will go far."