A STUDENT from Talbot Heath School in Bournemouth has been crowned Rotary International Young Vocalist of the Year.

Isabelle Atkinson won the title after competing at the national final in Truro, Cornwall, earlier this month.

The 17-year-old, who has secured an unconditional offer to study music at the Royal College of Music in London from September, said it was “wonderful” to win the award.

Isabelle’s teacher Claire Boyington said: “When I asked her how she felt about the win she said she was naturally thrilled but very surprised because the standard of the other performers was so high.

“Music is her passion and she is extremely excited about her chance to study at college later this year.”

The sixth-former qualified for the final after winning the Rotary Wessex Young Musician District final, held at Canford School in February.

During the heats she battled it out against 12 other singers and musicians.

The teenager impressed the judges by performing pieces by Massenet, Schubert and Novello.

The national competition aims to offer young musicians, both vocalists and instrumentalists, an experience of performing on a public stage, an opportunity to demonstrate their musical talent and to be given an assessment of performance by experienced adjudicators.