AN ISLE of Wight musician was invited to appear at the Royal Albert Hall in London, following extensive bugle training in Portsmouth.

Ben Scott-Denness, 20, made his appearance at the auditorium as part of the Royal Marines Band, the group he trains with at the Portsmouth School of Music.

His father, Nick, said: "This is a huge achievement and not many trainees are given this opportunity. I'm very proud."

Ben began drumming with the Medina Marching Band, where he gained a love for marching and playing both drum and bugle.

Two years ago he applied to the band of the Royal Marines and was accepted onto a 17-week military training programme at Lympstone Royal Marine Commando School.

During difficult times, he was close to giving up as a result of the relentless training, but he battled through with the support of the school and his family, receiving a string of accolades.

Ben's future plans are to complete his training and join one of the five Royal Marine bands based in Portsmouth, Plymouth, Collingwood, Lympstone and the Scotland Band in Rosyth.