A KENDAL schoolgirl has passed her classical guitar exam – with flying colours.

Fifteen-year-old Loren Appleyard, pictured, achieved a merit in her grade eight examination, the highest grade with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.

The Queen Katherine School pupil started playing the instrument at the age of seven, and said: “I love playing and that’s why I’ve kept going. It was hard work before the exam because I had to practice every day, but it’s quite satisfying now I know I did well. Now I will probably go on to do a diploma in guitar.”

Loren’s teacher Frank Perkins said: “I’ve always been impressed by her ability to remain calm and focused during exams.”