A TEENAGE musician had every reason to blow his own trumpet after auditioning for the National Youth Orchestra.

Baritone player James Simpson, 15, from Belthorn, was one of around 60 youngsters aged between 12 and 18 who attended the auditions in Salford.

Already a member of the Yorkshire Imperial Brass Band, James (pictured) is now waiting to hear from the prestigious band to see if they have selected him for the next round of the auditions.

A pupil at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn, he has been playing the baritone since he was eight years old after his dad brought a similar instrument down from their loft at home.

James, who decided not to pursue music as part of his studies at school, said: "At the moment I'm trying to keep my hobbies separate from my school work but I'd love to be able to earn money by playing music. There's only ever a few people who get to do that though.

"I can't wait to play for the National Youth Orchestra because there's so many well known big personalities in brass bands."