A young violinist, who has only been playing for two years, has won a place on a prestigious national orchestra.

Nine-year-old Daniel Garvin from Stevenage has been selected from hundreds of hopefuls to play with the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain this year.

The Vincent de Paul primary school pupil who also plays on Saturdays at Stevenage Music Centre said he was thrilled to have got a place.

“I am looking forward to taking up my place with the NCO because I love playing the violin and it will be great to make new friends who also love music,” he said.

His violin tutor Dorothy Phelps, who has guided Daniel to a grade three distinction, said his success is down to a combination of talent and hard work.

She said: “He just loves playing. He practices and keeps going. He has obviously got a real talent and feel and real enjoyment. You only have to show him something once and he works until he gets it. It’s pretty unusual.”

Daniel will join other young gifted instrumentalists for a residential course in the summer before performing at prestigious venues across the country.