GENEROUS readers have been thanked for funding a specialist music course for a talented young cornet player.

Ellie Bould, of Valley Road, Dovercourt scooped a prestigous place on the National Children's Brass Band of Great Britain - one of only 56 available to the whole of the UK.

But the position also included an exclusive residential tuition course costing £500.

After an appeal to help fund the trip, the Harwich Royal British Legion Brass Band's music school has been inundated with donations.

So much so that extra funds meant there was enough cash to buy Ellie a top of the range cornet too.

Antony Sanders, music teacher and the band’s musical director, said: "The music school has also been able to set up a new bursary fund which will be used to help other pupils who may have a similar opportunity in the future.

"We'd really like to thank readers for all their support."