GIFTED young musician Miriam Davis has won the right to deputise for the leader of the country's most prestigious young people's orchestra.

The Durham School sixth-former has won through auditions to become co-leader of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

A budding violin virtuoso, 17-year-old Miriam, from Durham, already has several musical strings to her bow, having led the Young Sinfonia in the North-East for the past three years.

She also has five years' experience as a member of the National Youth Orchestra.

Her latest role will give Miriam the honour of leading the national orchestra in the leader's absence.

Miriam puts in several hours' practice every day, as well as attending Young Sinfonia rehearsals for three hours every Sunday.

While Miriam is no stranger to playing at London's Royal Albert Hall, she said the job of being co-leader of an orchestra of such repute would include even more tours at home and abroad, as well as coping with live TV and radio coverage.

"I'm thrilled to have achieved this. It came as a complete shock to me as I was up against such stiff competition.

"Music has been my passion since I was five-years-old when I first started playing the violin.

"The school has been very encouraging and they allow me to practise for several hours a day, as long as I have completed my studies."

Miriam hopes to gain a scholarship to the Royal College of Music, in London, where she will audition later this month.

Roger Muttit, director of music at Durham School, praised Miriam for her dedication and hard work.

"It's a tremendous privilege to have a musician of her calibre at the school and for her to be part of our musical groups within the school."

Miriam is seeking sponsorship for a new violin, and any potential backer is asked to contact the school, on 0191-386 4783.