TEENAGER Joanne Atherton has just taken a step towards her dream of being in a major orchestra after being selected for the Hall Youth Orchestra.

The 17-year-old violinist learned two weeks ago that she had passed her audition for a place in the prestigious national ensemble.

But then ambition and achievement are nothing new to the Atherton family, of Rising Bridge Road, Accrington, for Joanne's big brother Matthew is budding commercial pilot.

Joanne's love affair with the violin began at the age of nine after a two-week course of lessons at school.

"Someone came round with a load of violins and we had two weeks doing a couple of hours a week," she said.

"It's great, it's good fun and definitely different. I just liked the sound of it and the fact that I could get a tune out of it straight away."

After requesting and receiving a violin for her 10th birthday the youngster began taking regular weekly lessons and joined string groups run by Lancashire Music Service.

Hours of practice every night paid off and four years ago she became a member of the East Lancashire Youth Orchestra, working her way up to leader.

She is also the co-leader of the second violins with the Burnley Municipal Symphony Orchestra.

Since starting sixth form at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar, Joanne has been having lessons with Ian Flower of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.