A PIANO school in Ramsbottom is celebrating a successful year, with all students passing their recent grade exams.

And one local family has received double congratulations, with both daughters passing high grades at Notes Piano School, on Bolton Road West.

Eleven-year-old Hannah Salek, of Holcombe Road, Helmshore, is the first person at the school to achieve grade five at that age. And younger sister Gabrielle (9), has reached grade two.

Headteacher, Mr David Golding, said of Hannah: "She is the first primary aged pupil that I have ever come across to reach such a high stage on piano."

Both started playing the instrument at the age of six and were encouraged by their parents, John and Bernadine, who enjoy music too. John has played the accordion in a band and also plays the piano while Bernadine loves singing and both are pleased that their daughters have followed in their musical footsteps.

Mrs Salek said: "We are so proud of both Hannah and Gabrielle and the pair are now going to carry on with their playing and hopefully complete their next grades."