A YOUNGSTER has beaten international competition to win a double scholarship to Winchester College.

Year 8 student Thomas Sharrock, 13, has been given both an academic and music award, seeing off competition from those at top schools around the world.

Thomas began his music training at St Peter’s Catholic Primary School where he sang with the choir and played piano and cello.

Passionate about music, he auditioned as a Quirister - a treble who sings as a chorister with Winchester College Chapel Choir.

Now in his final year at The Pilgrims’ School, Thomas is an accomplished instrumentalist and leader of the orchestra.

As his leavers’ project, Thomas is planning a cello concert at the top of St Catherine’s Hill to raise money for charity.

The concert is on Sunday, June 25 at 7pm.

There is no charge for entry but Thomas is hoping for donations to raise money for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Headmaster Tom Burden said: “Thomas is a talented boy - we have enjoyed seeing him make the most of his abilities.”