A YOUNG musical maestro from Greenock can now tune into her talents after being presented with a top range instrument.

Josephine Young, 15, is now the proud owner of a Washburn Festival EA10 electro-acoustic guitar after it was gifted to her by the Scottish Men's Sheds Association (SMSA) through a social enterprise.

Association chairman David Gardner won the instrument through a competition run by 12 Guitars during a men’s wellbeing day on Zoom.

David was thrilled to scoop the six-string - but opted to donate the guitar to a deserving youngster.

The SMSA partnered with 12 Guitars to seek applications and Josephine was selected from the final three.

Notre Dame High pupil Josephine was nominated by her mum Nicola but had no idea she was in the running.

Josephine, who lives in Ardgowan Street, said: "I'm absolutely delighted and really taken aback.

"I didn't think I would ever get the chance to play something this wonderful.

"I was so surprised to hear I'd won as I didn't even know that my mum had entered my name into the competition.

"I'm buzzing to finally get the guitar and I can't wait to start playing.

"I'd like to say thanks so much to the Scottish Men's Sheds Association and to 12 Guitars.

"It's such a lovely surprise."

Josephine’s mum Nicola says the talented teenager bought an old guitar for £6 from a local charity shop and has been teaching herself to play.

She added: "She plays piano at Grade 6 and practices every chance she gets.

"Before lockdown, she was volunteering and playing piano to entertain older people at a local nursing home.

"She is a kind, hard-working girl and it's an absolute dream for her to now play and own such a beautiful instrument."

David Gardner from the SMSA said he was thrilled to be able to give the guitar to Josephine.

He added: "I was extremely grateful to win this exceptional guitar but I wanted to pass it on to help an upcoming young musician fulfil their dreams and explore their talent."

Social enterprise 12 Guitars has been working in partnership with the SMSA to help people learn new skills and support communities using music.

The organisation gifts guitars to people who can't afford them or may not have access to instruments.

Ken Morton of 12 Guitars said: "There are so many benefits to learning to play.

"David has generously donated this beautiful prize to Josephine and we applaud that decision wholeheartedly."