TALENTED musician Natsumi Inaba went solo to clinch a place on the world stage for Besses o' th' Barn Band.

Euphonium player Natsumi emerged as winner of the Open Solo Championships of Great Britain, held in Dukinfield last Sunday.

As her prize, the 21-year-old will represent the UK in the prestigious Ern Keller Competition in Sydney next February.

Although she will be representing this country as contest winner, Natsumi hails from Japan. She has played instruments since the age of eight and joined the Besses band in the spring.

The Salford University student won the competition with her performance of Brilliante on her instrument, a bass-tenor form of the tuba. Natsumi said: "I thought my performance was awful and I wasn't going to win, so I was surprised.

"I can't really imagine going to Australia yet, but I will be practising hard."

Band secretary Mrs Jean Heyes said: "It is excellent for us because it is not often that we get a player of Natsumi's calibre. We are very fortunate to have her."

Bury tenor horn player Donna Lewis missed out on a top place at the solo championships, but will be trying again next year. Donna (32), of Mitzpah Grove, Elton said: "I was pleased with my performance and hope to have another go."