A cellist who has reached the BBC Young Musician category finals says she is the fifth generation of string players in her family.

Ellen Baumring-Gledhill, 18, from Edgware said she was introduced to the instrument by her uncle, Dr Oliver Gledhill, when she was five-years-old. Ellen then went on to audition for the Junior Guildhall when she was 10-years-old.

Ellen, who went to Mill Hill School, said she always wanted to apply for the national BBC competition.

She said: "It was something I always watched when I was much younger and I have been really inspired by the people on the show.

"I always wanted to have the opportunity to give it a try and the whole experience was unforgettable. Everyone encouraged me, especially my teacher and uncle.

"In year nine the music director at my school said 'I would love it if you got to the category finals of the BBC Young Musician' who knew it would really happen."

Ellen was successful in the London auditions and then the Cardiff auditions and then went to the film the category finals in March, prior to lockdown restrictions.

She added: "I was excited more than nervous. I forgot it was competition and I just enjoyed the concert I was giving to the audience.

"My family, uncle, teacher, music staff and friends came to watch and all I saw was support and love."

Ellen has also managed to receive a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music.

She added: "I would love to be a professional cellist, it has been a dream of mine for quite some time now.

"I see myself doing this for the rest of my life. I would love to play solo music."

The BBC Young Musician string category finals will air this Sunday (May 31).