Emily 's a "model young citizen"

The 14-year-old received the Goddard Trophy at the Barnton Flower and Produce Show from Barnton parish councillor Judith Hughes.

The trophy is awarded by the parish council to celebrate exceptional ability.

Emily plays Bflat bass in Barnton Silver Band, which she has been with for four years, and has reached Grade 5 of the ABRSM music exams on her tuba.

She was nominated for the award by band chairperson Carol Braithwaite on behalf of the band.

“As a young band member Emily helps out with the training band, helping others to learn to play a musical instrument,” said Carol.

“She also helps with setting up and packing away the band room on rehearsals.

“When the band is out and about Emily always tries her best to attend all band events, and as well as playing and helping with setting up she volunteers on our blowathon stalls, encouraging others to learn a new skill by demonstrating the instruments and helping us raise funds.”

Outside of her band activities Emily helps as a young leader every week with the Tribes youth group at Barnton Pentecostal Church, and helps at Barnton Beaver Scout Group.

She is a pupil at Weaverham High School, where she takes part in extracurricular activities including the choir, the school band, netball and rounders, and recently completed her bronze Duke of Edinburgh award with the school.

“Emily is always keen to help others wherever she can, and has demonstrated this over recent years with the support she has offered the band and the other groups within the village, in which she takes an active part,” added Carol.

“Taking all this into account the band committee and I were very proud to nominate her for the Goddard Trophy.”

Parish council chairman Helen Kirsopp, who was on the panel which chose Emily for the award, said: “The general feeling was that in addition to her accomplishments with the band Emily put herself out to help others in the band and other groups. She is a model young citizen.”