A schoolgirl is on her way to becoming a star violinist, after beating hundreds of applicants to perform at the last night of the BBC Proms.

Amy Lovejoy, 15, is studying for the Diploma of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (DipABRSM) in violin, after learning the instrument to grade 8.

The professional qualification will help her pursue music as career and aid her entry into university if she chooses to study music.

Last month the Burgess Hill Girls pupil beat hundreds of applicants to perform with the BBC Proms Youth Ensemble at the world-famous Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Playing in front of an audience of 5,000, she led the orchestra in playing a world premiere of Tom Harrold’s new composition Raze, under the conductorship of world renowned performer Sakari Oramo.

Describing the experience Amy said: “When I walked on the stage and heard the crowd roaring I felt so proud again, all the nerves went away and I was in the moment.

“It gave me incredible insight, and it was really fun - so I’m definitely considering being in an orchestra in the future.”

The keen dancer was picked after sending in a video clip, of her playing an extract from Raze and a piece she enjoys, to the BBC Symphony Orchestra competition for musicians aged 14 to 21.

Before the performance Amy got the chance to rehearse at the BBC Maida Vale Studios, and orchestra members were so impressed they made her leader of the Youth Ensemble, responsible for bringing everyone in and timing.

Speaking of her excitement at being picked she said: “I was so excited to be picked, it was an amazing feeling.

“The Last Night is the best night going - it has such an a amazing atmosphere.”

Amy who lives in Burgess Hill, took up the violin at the age of five and also plays the piano to grade seven. The budding violinist, who avidly practices at home, attends the Royal College of Music in London every Saturday, where she studies for her diploma exams.

Mum Sarah Lovejoy couldn’t contain her pride watching her daughter in the audience at the Proms. She said: “I managed to get a ticket and it was an incredibly emotional and proud moment.

“It’s all been driven by her from when she was little and saw people playing the violin, so she’s been very instrumental in her own progress and thanks to her incredible music tutors too.”

Headteacher Kathryn Bell added: “Amy is truly a Burgess Hill Girl! She is an exceptional student, excelling academically, as well as in the creative and performing arts. Her personality shines; she is a brilliant and bright star of the future who so deserves success. We are so proud of her.”