Applications are open for talented teenagers in the borough and across Greater Manchester to be in the National Youth Orchestra (NYO) for 2024.

The orchestra allows musicians of Grade 8 standard and above to play alongside others and to perform at some of the biggest venues in the country.

Greater Manchester is well represented in the orchestra for this year and it is hoped the region is well represented in the orchestra for next year too.

Applications are open until the end of the month, with auditions next month and assessments later in the year.

Although there is a requirement for musicians to be of Grade 8 standard and above, there is no requirement for them to have taken the actual exams.

Toby Johnson-Jones, 18, a member of the NYO who is set to move on to the Royal Northern College of Music, said: "I have been part of the NYO community for the last five years and I have to say I have had the best time ever. 

"I initially joined the NYO Inspire programme and that led to being invited to be part of the Inspire Orchestra. For the last two years I have been an orchestral member of the National Youth Orchestra in the French Horn section. 

"I have made some brilliant friends and the tutors and organisation are so supportive. Each NYO experience is so different and exciting, it just wants you to become a better musician and spread the word about the amazing time you have. 

"Next year I will be studying French Horn at the Royal Northern College of Music."

For information, go to nyo.org.uk.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.