Teenager Merryn Phillips has been inspired to aim high, after singing live with superstar Gary Barlow.

Merryn, 15, was chosen to be part of a 20-strong choir as the singer/songwriter wanted to include his Royal Diamond Jubilee anthem Sing in his current UK tour.

“It was absolutely fantastic, the most amazing experience ever,” said soprano Merryn, of Marsh Road, Hilperton.

She is a music scholar at the Royal High School, Bath, whose director of music Mark Bradbury was asked to put the choir together for the show at Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff.

“It was incredible, Gary Barlow was so kind although we didn’t really get to meet him, just see him during the performance itself.

“I was really nervous, I kept having to remind myself to breathe, but as the song went on I think we got better and better, though it was quite hard to hear yourself because the crowd were tremendous, they cheered and cheered.

“It did lift you though as they were so enthusiastic, in the last chorus which is supposed to be the most emotional one you could hear how happy we were all feeling.

“Mr Bradbury kept telling us beforehand we had to remember to smile on stage, well I don’t think any of us could do anything else but, it was such a tremendous feeling singing in front of all those people.

"It was an amazing experience, really inspiring.

“I’ve always liked singing, and thought it was good singing with my rock band at Gig Night at school, now I definately want to do more and sing with a band.

“Apparently Gary told the audience after we had gone off we were fantastic, which was really complimentary of him.”

Sing was written by Gary Barlow for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012, and performed for the Queen as part of the jubilee evening concert in front of Buckingham Palace.

Royal High’s director of music Mark Bradbury said the pupils had shown a level of professionalism way above their years.

He said: “The quality of the girls’ performance was so exceptional that it was hard to believe that they weren't professional musicians.

“It is a very special moment for us all and for everyone at the school that will remain with us for the rest of their lives.”

See the Royal High School choir Sing with Gary Barlow at http://youtu.be/k6h6MkRLnLw