Reigate pupil Chloe Barnes is celebrating after being awarded a distinction in a top grade Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) exam – for the fourth time.

The musically gifted student at Dunottar Reigate School for Girls has achieved a distinction in her Grade 8 piano exam.

The accolade follows three previous Grade 8 distinctions for the oboe, cello and practical musicianship.

The 17-year-old’s latest achievement has come hot on the heels of a highly successful year in music.

For the second year in a row, she was snapped up on the spot for the prestigious National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain.

Then, at November’s Sutton Music Festival, her skills on the oboe - judged ‘outstanding’ - earned her first place in the open instrumental concerto class.

She also won the woodwind recital class, which led to a trophy for the woodwind and brass recital class for 16 years and over.

She impressed one of the judges so much that she was offered a reserve place in the National Youth Chamber Orchestra and the National Youth Wind Ensemble.

David Black, director of Music at Dunottar, said: "To pass Grade 8 piano with distinction is a fine achievement for anyone, but to have four separate Grade 8 distinctions when aged just 17 is quite remarkable.

“We are all very proud of Chloe's achievements."