A surprise teatime telephone call was music to the ears of Ross teenager Laurence John. He was told that it had just been announced that his grade six piano examination marks were the highest in Britain.

Laurence, aged 15, of Arundel Close, said: "I couldn't believe it. I knew several weeks ago that I had done well with 142 marks out of 150, which had gained me a distinction, but I had no idea my performance was that special."

His prize from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music was a cheque for £100, part of which he plans to spend on new music books.

Laurence's tutor, John Handley, who made the good news telephone call, said: "I have been teaching piano now for nearly 50 years and I have never before had a pupil score such a high mark to win the Associated Board's prestigious Sheila Mossman Memorial award. It is a remarkable achievement."

For the rest of this story please see this week's Ross Gazette.