Talented musician Nathalie Corless couldn’t believe her ears when she was announced as this year’s Young Musician of the Year for St Augustine’s Catholic College in Trowbridge.

Nathalie, known as Tilly to her friends, said the event held at the Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford on Avon on March 11 was the ‘best day of her life’.

The 15-year-old, who plays the euphonium, said: “It was an amazing event, I had such a brilliant time. When they read out my name as the winner I actually thought they were joking.

“I didn’t even think I would make it through to the semi-finals, let alone the grand finals on the evening, because there was so much amazing talent there.”

Tilly, who is in Year 11 at the college also plays the piano and is a member of the College Wind Band, two college choirs, Bratton Silver Band and Trowbridge and District Youth Band.

She said: “Most people watch TV when they get home - I practice on my euphonium, which people often mistake for a trumpet. I don’t see it as a chore.”

The teenager, from Bradford on Avon, won £100 and a trophy. Runner-up was Thomas Corbishley, who sang Why, God, Why? while drummer Harry Clarke was awarded the title of most promising performance.

Head of music Richard O’Mahony said: “The standard just keeps getting higher and higher each year. This is the 18th year the competition has been running and the students just keep setting the bar higher than the previous year.

“The event was fantastic and gave the musicians a real feel for a professional performance in the fantastic facilities at the centre.”