A TALENTED young musician is being tipped for the top.

James Howard, a student at Kirkburton Middle School, has been offered a sponsorship by Honley-based instrument designers Rath Trombones.

James will be provided with a custom-made quality instrument courtesy of the internationally-acclaimed instrument designers, to support his blossoming musical career.

James, who is in year 7, receives lessons from assistant principal at Kirklees Music School, Jamie O’Brien.

Jamie said: “It’s always a great privilege to work with talented youngsters like James.

“Its fantastic that Mick Rath has chosen to support him in this way – nurturing local talent and supporting the musical stars of the future.”

James, who has been part of Kirklees Music School for the last three-and-a-half years, is a member of the Kirklees Youth Jazz Orchestra and has been featured as a soloist with the band.

He has also taken part in the Great North Big Band Jazz Festival as well as the National Festival of Music for Youth at Birmingham Conservatoire.

He recently won the first prize in his class at the Mrs Sunderland music competition and has featured in the British Bandsman Magazine.

The young musician has also been awarded a bursary for additional lessons with Black Dyke Band’s Brett Baker, another artist sponsored by Rath.