THE Bromley Youth Music Trust (BYMT) scored four successes last week when a group of pupils gained places at the world-renowned National Youth Orchestra.

Trumpeter Ben Reeve, 17, of the Avenue, Beckenham, double bassist Florence Granatt, 17, of Tunbridge Wells, Trombonist Ross Brennan, 14, of Clarendon Way, Chiselhurst and Steve Payne, a 17-year-old violinist of Sandford Road, Bromley, beat thousands of other hopefuls to be selected for the elite orchestra which will tour the country playing to packed houses.

News Shopper deliverer Ben, who attends Trinity Private School, Shirley Park, Croydon, has played in the BYMT symphony orchestra and concert band for seven years since he was 10.

After playing in a BYMT quintet at the Royal Albert Hall, he attended the final trials for the youth orchestra. After trying for three years, he was given a place in the orchestra.

His proud mum, Sally said: "It is so rewarding when you think of the hard work he has put in, to see him finally get rewarded like this."

Sally also backed the News Shopper campaign to keep Bromley Youth Music Trust alive.

She said: "The amount of pleasure children get from playing a musical instrument is incredible.

"We need to do everything we can to keep youth music playing in this borough."

November 12, 2001 14:11