BROTHER and sister James and Emily Hopwood have replaced sibling rivalry with perfect harmony after landing places in the National Children's Orchestra of Great Britain.

The pair, pictured above, were two of dozens of clarinettists to be chosen to play in the orchestra, which draws together almost 500 talented musicians from across the country, after impressing during auditions.

Emily, aged 14, will go on a week-long residential course at Queenswood School in Hertfordshire over Easter as part of her placement, while her 11-year-old brother will go to summer school at Wellington College, near Bracknell, in Berkshire.

Emily has also won a place in The National Children's Wind Orchestra to play in the saxophone ensemble, while James will feature in the National Children's Wind Sinfonia.

Emily, who plays clarinet at grade seven, also plays the piano at grade six, and saxophone at grade five.

The Newcastle-Under-Lyme School pupil said she was looking forward to being involved with the orchestra.

She said: "I've been playing the piano since I was six-years-old and started playing the clarinet when I was nine. Me and my brother used to go to our granny's house and she taught me and my brother how to play the piano, and we took it from there.

"Being able to play an instruments helps at school, because we get to be involved in a lot of things like school plays and you also get to meet a lot of people.

"I like playing with my brother and it's nice being able to practice with him."

James, who attends Denstone College and also plays rugby and cricket, said: "I like the feeling of team spirit you get from being in an orchestra but I also really enjoy playing sports too, and I also play hockey for my school. I'm looking forward to being involved with the orchestra and meeting a lot of new people."

The National Children's Orchestra play in concerts across the country.

Dad Mark, aged 49, and wife Alison, aged 43, who live in Kingfisher Crescent, Fulford, said they were both very proud of their children.

Mark said: "I'm not a musician and have had no musical training, but my wife made it to grade five piano. Both James and Emily have worked very hard. They have practised for an hour a day, which is not easy with distractions such as TV and games consoles. We are very proud of them."