A TALENTED Waltham Abbey teenager has had his dream of becoming a professional musician boosted by a bursary from Epping Forest District Council.

Antony Camillo, 16, plays the piano and violin and also sings. He hopes to make a career as a concert performer.

He was granted £1,000 under the council's leisure bursary scheme, funding which he will put towards his studies at the Royal Academy of Music.

He said: "We never expected that amount. I was a bit surprised really. It will help with my tuition and training at the junior academy - the foundation of training for a musical career."

Antony, a pupil at Trinity High School, Woodford Green, was one of just four applicants picked from 160 to win a place studying piano at the Royal Academy of Music Junior Academy last year.

He hopes to progress on to a music degree there after completing his A-levels next year.

"I've always been interested in music. It's bit strange because I come from a non-musical family, but when I was six I came home and asked if I could learn the piano."

His mother, Claire, said: "We were surprised at first. Neither Nazareno my husband or I are musical and we were a bit worried it might be a bit of a one-day-wonder. You know what children at that age can be like with hobbies and musical instruments are expensive. But it was worth it. He's just a talented boy. We're very proud of him."

Antony has completed his Grade 8 piano, is working towards Grade 7 violin after taking up the instrument four years ago, and Grade 8 singing.

As well as the Junior Academy, he studies at Redbridge Music School where he is part of the SATB Choir and Redbridge Symphony Orchestra with whom he recently performed at the Royal Albert Hall.

He also played in the Loughton Youth Music Festival and performs regularly at fundraising concerts for charities, including Mencap.

Anthony, who practises three hours a day, said: "I've always been keen and enthusiastic about music and my parents really encouraged me all the way. If I ever had a bad day, they were there to support me."

Mrs Camillo said: "I just want to say a big thank you to Epping Forest District Council. Not many places give grants for individuals and it's such an encouragement. This is something he really wants."