A VIOLINIST from Durham has won an award.

Miriam Davis, 18, who attends Durham School, came top in the finals of the James Etherington competition.

The £300 first prize will help to pay her expenses for the Young Sinfonia tour of Spain this summer.

Miriam is co-leader of the National Youth Orchestra and for the past three years has been leader of the Young Sinfonia Orchestra.

In September, she will study violin at the London Royal College of Music, where she has been given a foundation scholarship.

The second prize of £100 was won by trombonist Andrew Fox, 17, from Durham, a pupil at the Royal Grammar School, in Newcastle, and a player with Young Sinfonia.

The award is named after tenor James Etherington, of Chester-le-Street, who was famous for his performances in London West End shows.

For 26 years, the awards have helped the careers of many local musicians. The James Etherington Music Trust and the local Rotary Club sponsored the contest, which was held in Chester-le-Street Methodist Church.

Published: 06/05/2004