A FORMER member of Test Valley Brass Youth Band has got a tough decision to make after being offered a scholarship by both the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal School of Music in London.

Ian Jackman, aged 17, started his music career with Test Valley Brass Youth Band when he was only seven-years-old as a bass trombone player.

He said: "As you can imagine I am absolutely delighted to be in such a wonderful position.

"When I started playing I never imagined that music would become such an important part of my life."

"I owe it all to Test Valley Brass Youth Band and my tutors at Wells Cathedral School," he added.

The band has a Musicianship Award Scheme, which under guidance of tutors enables youngsters to progress at their own rate.

He said: "If they had not given me the opportunity and the excellent grounding, bringing with it such enjoyment I am sure things would have turned out differently.

"I will never be able to thank them enough for all they have done."

Ian's music really took off when he started The Wells Cathedral School in Somerset, which specialises in music.

He is doing his A levels there and will take up one of the scholarships in September.