A teenage Herefordshire musician last week had a chance to work with one of the best military bands in the world.

Rui De Sousa Stayton, who hails from Ross-on-Wye, was invited to Windsor for a socially-distanced Big Band rehearsal day.

It was a wonderful experience for the 17-year-old, who ended up playing the Drum Kit for more than half of the rewarding three-hour session.

Afterwards, Rui, a student at Monmouth School for Boys, was given a delightful tour of Combermere Barracks, where he met serving personnel and the famous Cavalry horses, including Kenny.

Director of Music at Monmouth School for Boys, Mr David Lawson, said Rui had been a percussionist from an early age and was now looking at the next stage, after school. 

“This visit to Windsor was a golden opportunity for Rui to work at a professional level, which will enable him to make more informed choices about his future. It was a brilliant and rewarding day,” said Mr Lawson.