A SKILFUL young Port guitar player has sealed a place at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Thomas Williams, 13, has won a sought-after place at the junior academy in Glasgow studying jazz guitar.

The Port Glasgow High pupil is part of the school's jazz band and his music teacher Julie Ballantyne encouraged him to apply for the course.

As a fan of traditional jazz, talented Thomas played the Frank Sinatra standard Fly Me To The Moon for his audition.

Two weeks later, he was thrilled to find out he had won a place to study the instrument and the style of music that he loves.

Thomas, who lives in Mossyde Avenue, said: "I feel very excited about it.

"I sent in my audition video and then had to do an interview on Microsoft Teams.

"A couple of weeks later, I got an email to say that I got in.

"I never used to like jazz but I went up to a play to learn session at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow and really enjoyed it.

"I like traditional jazz and the rhythm of it.

"I love playing jazzy chords and improvising.

"When I leave school, I would love to study at the Conservatoire and then become a music teacher."

When he starts the course in August, Thomas will be at the academy from 8.15am until 5.30pm every Saturday, initially for a year.

He can then apply again every year until he leaves school.

Thomas started playing guitar when he was eight and now has a collection of electric, acoustic and bass instruments - including two Les Paul guitars.

He loves being part of his school's jazz band, set up by teacher Craig Hart, and receives guitar lessons from David Dickson.

Proud mum and dad Maureen and Thomas are thrilled that their talented son is getting the chance to hone his love for the guitar - and have praised the work of teachers in Port High's music department.

Maureen said: "The teachers are amazing and nurture the kids with their music so much.

"Mr Hart has so much enthusiasm.

"Thomas listens to his heavy metal music, but he just loves the jazz.

"He goes onto YouTube and works on it.

"He's just a wee star, such a hard-working boy in every aspect of his life."