A YOUNG musician struck a chord with judges to win a national competition.

Alexandra Whittingham, aged 16, a pupil at Chetham’s School of Music won her first competition at the Edinburgh Guitar and Music Festival.

“I went into the competition not even expecting to reach the final, so I couldn’t believe it when I won,” said Alexandra, of Squires Lane in Tyldesley.

To reach the final at the Edinburgh festival, Alexandra had to send in two videos of her performing different pieces.

Over five months dozens of other guitarists did the same, but she made it to the last seven who were invited to perform in Scotland.

Competing against others using electric instruments, Alexandra impressed the most with her classical guitar to take home £1,500 to spend on musical equipment.

“I do get nervous before I perform, but that all goes away when I am on stage,” she said.

The former Hindsford Primary School pupil is just finishing her GCSEs at Chetham’s in Manchester, where she boards three nights a week.

To get into Britain’s largest music school she had to complete two auditions that involved performances and other musical tests.

But it was her passion and character that shone through and won her the place. She said: “I think they realised that I would work hard and saw some potential. A huge part of me getting in must have been that they saw how much I enjoyed music.”

Alexandra, who also performs with the Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra, added: “I just enjoy the guitar because it is a solo instrument and is versatile.”