RHYTHMIC Russell Ashworth will be banging the drum for Blackpool after becoming a member of the percussion section of the Lancashire Youth Ensemble.

Russell, a Year 11 student at St George's High School, Blackpool, beat off the competition in the auditions held in Chorley and was selected as one of 70 students between 11 and 19 who form the band, despite having no formal lessons.

A regular member of his school band, the 15-year-old from Mythop Road, Blackpool, took part in the band's recent tour to Austria last summer and is looking forward to the concerts and tours he will experience as one of Lancashire's top student musicians.

In addition Russell, who picked his first drumsticks up in Year 8, also plays with the Blackpool Schools' Symphony Orchestra.

Russell said: "I was really pleased when they told me I had got into the band and quite relieved.

"But I was also a bit surprised, I don't think I expected to get in.

"I'd like to take it seriously when I finish my exams, but it's really still a bit of a hobby.

"When I picked up my sticks to start playing I didn't think I'd be doing it for long.

"But everyone's been quite supportive and it's paid off."

Russell is currently working towards next year's GCSEs and is sure to have a busy time ahead, but head of music David Miller is confident he will be successful.

He said: "Many of our highest achieving pupils are incredibly busy.

"Often they are committed to music and to sport and yet they achieve high grades in their exams too.

"It really does seem this level of commitment helps youngsters to maximise their talents."

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