TALENTED Sophie Lewis fell in love with classical music when she got her hands on her first cello when she was just eight.

And now the St Matthew’s Academy pupil – who has played with a host of North Ayrshire orchestras – will share that passion and wisdom with the next generation.

The 17-year-old will get that chance after she was appointed a Young Ambassador for the Royal Scottish National Orchestra earlier this month.

Sophie will be able to attend RSNO concerts for free and will get to know the musicians, artistic team and staff.

But most importantly it will give Sophie a chance to interact with local youngsters and share her love of classical music.

“It’s an amazing honour and I’m still buzzing about it,” she said.

“It will give me a chance to get children involved in instrumental lessons and make kids more aware of the RSNO.

“I will also do some market research of audiences, review concerts and help them with their plans.

“It’s important to get children involved at an early age as they can often drift away from it. The transistion from P7 to S1 is quite big but I’m hoping my involvement can help bridge it and the younger children won’t lose that interest.” Sophie, from Kilwinning, hopes to study Music at university next year and admits the support of North Ayrshire’s talented teachers and musicians have made it all possible.

She added: “I’ve had brilliant teachers along the way. I’ve been involved in the likes of North Ayrshire String Orchestra and that’s been fantastic for my development.

“Mrs Martin has also been a big influence on me and this year helped me get my Grade 8 – the highest Grade – in cello.

“Hopefully their passion and support has rubbed off on me and I can pass it on.” As part of her role she will be promoting classical music to schools and Mae Murray, Music Service Manager, will assist Sophie with this. She added: “How wonderful that North Ayrshire Music Council is being represented as part of the RSNO Young Ambassador programme. Sophie is an exceptional musician and is a very active member of North Ayrshire Schools’ Orchestras.” Councillor John Bruce, cabinet member for Education, Attainment and Achievement said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Sophie and testament to all the hard work she and her teachers have put in over the years. Sophie’s passion and knowledge will undoubtedly help inspire the next generation to get involved in music.” The RSNO has appointed over 20 school pupils to its new Young Ambassadors programme, covering nearly every local authority in the country.