TALENTED teenage violinist Sam Kennedy has received funding to help him pursue a career in music.

The 17-year-old, from Redcar, has received a £1,000 grant from the West Redcar Single Regeneration Budget, following a plea from his grandmother, Kathleen.

She said Sam is the leader of the Tees Valley Youth Orchestra and a member of the National Youth Orchestra, but that he struggles to meet costs.

He is studying for four A-levels at Prior Pursglove College, in Guisborough, and hopes to study music at Cambridge University.

He said: "I've been playing for eight years and I chose violin because it was the only instrument available at my primary school, St Alban's RC, in Redcar.

"I'm a little unsure about exactly what I want to do but after Cambridge I'd certainly like to pursue a career in music."

Sam has been invited to perform with pianist David Trippet at the Kirkleatham Alms-houses, near Redcar, on Wednesday, July 9.