A TEENAGE trombonist has gained a professional performance diploma at just 13 years of age.

Haberdashers Monmouth School for Girls pupil Rhiannon Symonds passed her grade eight with distinction at the age of 11.

Instead of enjoying the success, she forged ahead and has become the youngest trombonist in the UK to become an associate of Trinity College London. This followed a 38-minute recital.

The diploma is a professional level qualification equivalent to passing the first year of an undergraduate degree programme.

Ms Symonds is also a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales, the Greater Gwent Youth Wind Symphonia and the Greater Gwent Youth Jazz Orchestra.

She said: “I’m chuffed to have passed the ATCL and am proud of it but don’t think I’ll be adding the letters after my name to my school work – that would feel a bit odd.”