A 19-year-old Pembroke School pupil is celebrating after being invited to join the National Youth Orchestra of Wales.

Philip Howells, of Camrose, has already been a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales for the past three years as well as the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Wales for two years, on top of being part of school and county ensembles.

Philip, who has autism, was the overall winner of the Pembrokeshire Secondary Schools Chevron Music Festival last year, with the other finalist being his brother Ryan.

He passed his grade eight drum kit exam with distinction last year, and has received distinction for every exam he has taken in xylophone, marimba and drum kit.

His mum Kaye said: “We’re very proud of him. He’s worked very hard and he practices a lot. It shows that all the effort was worth it.”

His dad Gerwyn added: “When you ask him ‘Why do you love music?’ He says it’s because it speaks to him.”

Mrs Howells also explained the great costs that are involved in joining and transporting Philip and his brother to all the practices they have to attend.

“I’ve started sending letters around asking for support because it’s going to cost about £1,000 in total,” she said.

Philip is currently studying A-levels in music and ICT at Pembroke School.