A YOUNG woman is fulfilling her dream of making a living from music - after joining the Army.

Emily Barker, from South Moor, near Stanley, has just finished studying at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, Twickenham.

The 19-year-old, who plays the piano, violin, cornet and trumpet, will join the Band of the Welsh Guards, based in Chelsea Barracks, later this month.

"I am delighted. It's where I wanted to go," she said. "We will be doing a lot of royal duties, such as the Trooping of the Colour, and in 2006 we will be doing a big coast-to-coast tour in America."

A former pupil of Greencroft School, near Stanley, and Durham High School, she was introduced to music by her father, Gerald, a technology teacher at Tanfield School, near Stanley.

Along with her music training, she underwent 12 weeks of basic training in Winchester, and won the title of best recruit out of her group of 40. "It was great to win." she said. "I think I got it because I enjoyed it so much and was so enthusiastic."

Published: 10/05/2004