A CHARITY working to make music more accessible across the South West has celebrated some of the region’s young tuneful talents at a recent award ceremony.

Each year, Bude-based charity Sound Waves South West hopes to shine a spotlight on some of the great musical performers of tomorrow as part of the Jill Wellby Award for Musical Achievement.

The Jill Wellby Award was established in memory of Jill Wellby, a friend and supporter of Sound Waves South West (SWSW), whose encouragement of young musicians and belief in the value of music, the charity hopes, continues through the award.

This year, the charity says that it was ‘absolutely delighted’ to have received a record number of nominations for the accolade, with the standard of nominations making the trustees’ decision a very difficult one.

However, after much deliberation, the charity’s trustees decided that it was 18-year-old Clara Spake Urwin who would be named as this year’s winner.

SWSW says that Clara, from Devonport High School for Girls, stood out not only because of her excellent musical achievement, including gaining Grade 7 Cello with Distinction, but also because of the resilience, determination and personal growth she has shown through music.

Trustees were particularly moved by the way music has helped Clara grow in confidence and overcome challenges, while continuing to contribute enthusiastically to ensemble music.

With so many impressive nominations, trustees also selected a runner up, which was awarded to William Spencer-Wortley. A spokesperson for the charity said: “William’s sustained commitment to music, continued development and wider musical involvement made him a very worthy recipient in such a strong field”

Charity secretary Sam Kendrick added: “We were genuinely overwhelmed by both the number and quality of nominations this year. Every single nominee had something special to celebrate, whether through musical achievement, progress, resilience or contribution to music in their school or wider community.”