A BUDDING stage star hit the right note to gain a place in Scotland's top music and drama academy.

Avril McLoughlin, 18, is celebrating being accepted for the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

The teenager who has just recently left St Columba's High in Gourock, is thrilled with getting such a good opportunity.

She said: "I was really shocked, I didn't think I was going to get a place.

"I worked really hard for the audition and I am so excited and ready to get going.

"We did video auditions, then went through a few rounds and to some call backs.

"It was quite nerve-wracking as my audition was at the end of January and my call back wasn't until the 23rd of April. I found out I had been accepted a few days later.

"It's quite tough to get in, there are between 18 to 20 places a year and that includes international students."

Greenock Telegraph:

Avril lives in Inverkip with her parents Elaine and Tommy and her older sister Hannah is studying chemistry at university.

She says the news is well worth the wait and she can't wait to start her course, a BA in Musical Theatre.

Avril studied drama at school and is also musical, specialising in percussion and tenor horn, and is a member of Elite Ballet School.

She says she has built on all this experience and performing in school shows over the years to help her to get to the next level.

Avril once starred as one of the Marias in the Sound of Music but says her favourite school show was the Addams Family.

She said: "I played Wednesday and it was a great part, so much fun."

Avril, who wants to thank her drama teacher Lynsey Mitchell for all her support, is now aiming high for the future.

She said: "I would like to see myself on stage or behind it an doing something creative, as long as it makes me happy."