A TEENAGE musician will make a giant step towards his dream career this summer after landing a Chinese work placement.

Chris Ward, 19, has secured a job as a musical teaching assistant at the British School of Beijing, in China.

The year-long post, which starts in August, will give the talented musician and composer experience to help him become a music teacher.

Chris, who is a sixth-form student at Spennymoor School, in County Durham, has played the clarinet for ten years, won contests for his playing, and recently developed his skills as a composer.

He said: “I developed a link with the school when our former head of music Andrew Webb-Mitchell went out there to become director of music and performing arts.

“When an opportunity like this comes up for a gap year you don’t drop it.

“It will be a good move for my future career and good to travel there.

It’s a big exciting step, as most people don’t plan to travel abroad until later in life.”