A STUDENT was in tune to win the north west heat of a European music contest.

Elliot Gresty, from Lymm, won through in the Lions Club contest in Lancaster.

The 19-year-old has played his featured instrument, the clarinet, for 11 years and hopes to build a career as a professional musician.

A former pupil at Manchester’s Chethams School of Music, he was backed in the contest by Birchwood Lions. He also studied piano for a short period before specialising in the clarinet.

Runner up was Sara Hall, from Salford Quays.

Judge Howard Rogerson said: “Both Elliot and Sara were clearly ahead of the others in terms of presentation, interpretation and performance. Both knew what they were doing and achieved a lot.

“However Elliot had memorised the notes enabling him to give an enjoyable, secure performance and interpretation engaging the audience. He was also the only player to adjust the tuning of his instrument during his performance as well as at the start.”

He now goes on to compete in the Lions UK national music competition where the winner will go forward to the Lions European competition.

After presenting the awards, Lions North West (District 105BN) district governor Barry Collins, from Birchwood Lions, said: “I have to congratulate the young people taking part in the competition, all of which have achieved grade eight or above in their instruments.

"It takes real determination and many years of hard work to achieve this level, not just technically but also to have the confidence to play in front of highly qualified judges.

“I must admit to a little pride that Elliot, sponsored by my own Birchwood Lions, should be the winner