PERFORMING at the Albert Hall and being awarded a top music qualification has formed the backdrop to a Clitheroe student’s last 12 months.

Ben Fourie, 16, is looking forward to a jam-packed 2015 after taking to the stage alongside TV choirmaster Gareth Malone for a special Boxing Day performance.

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The Clitheroe Royal Grammar School student was also awarded the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music Diploma in the French horn after fitting three-months worth of practices around studying for his GSCEs.

Now in year 12 and tackling AS Levels in English literature, biology, psychology and chemistry, Ben is set to take part on the Young Musician District Final in Darwen next month representing the Clitheroe Rotary Club.

As well as having a Grade Eight with Distinction in the French horn, Ben, who lives with his family in Ribchester Avenue, Wilpshire, also has Grade Seven in piano and is a member of the Hallé Youth Orchestra.

The one-off War Horse Prom, which Ben was selected to take part in, was filmed at the Albert Hall in London last August before being broadcast on BBC Two on Boxing Day.

But despite his musical prowess, Ben has said that he intends to focus more on his academic studies in a bid to get into medical school and become a doctor like his dad Paul.

Ben said: “I’ve always just been able to pick up a musical instrument and play it and not have to practice too much.

“I went to a concert when I was around seven years old and I saw a French horn on the stage.

“I asked my mum what it was and she told me and that we had one in the garage.

“I started playing it and I’ve just carried it on from there really.

“Music is something that I really enjoy and I have always had fantastic support from my family and from the school.

“I’m proud of what I have achieved over the last year but 2015 is going to be more about me passing my exams and trying to get a place at university.

“I want to become a doctor because I want to help people and give something back.

“My dad is a GP and he’s part of the British Medical Football Team which has just come back from Brazil.

“Working with Gareth Malone last year was a great experience and you can tell that he is very passionate about what he does.

“I’m really looking forward to this year and the district final next month as well.”