A pupil from Bushey has said being crowned this year’s BBC Young Musician of the year is the "highlight of my life".

Martin James Bartlett, who is a pupil at The Purcell School, took the coveted title with a concerto performance of "breathtaking quality and virtuosity".

The 17-year-old beat over 450 hopeful young musicians, winning the keyboard class with performances of music by Bach, Liszt and Barber, and then being chosen from five semi-finalists to play in the concerto final.

Martin’s performance was broadcast live on BBC4 and BBC Radio 3.

He said: "It's such an amazing feeling. It's not just the highlight of my musical career, it's the highlight of my life."

Martin has been a pupil at The Purcell School since 2010. His place at the school is funded by the Government’s Music and Dance Scheme. 

Next year, Martin will continue his piano studies at the Royal College of Music, where he has been awarded a four-year foundation scholarship.