A Potters Bar schoolboy who became one of the youngest organists in the country has vowed to continue playing as he goes off to university.

Damon Ying, who has just completed A-levels at Dame Alice Owens, Dugdale Hill, first started playing the organ when he was just 12-years-old.

But the now 18-year-old, who led the school orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall earlier this year, has thanked his teachers for steering him on the path to success.

In September, he is preparing to go off to university - either to University College London to read maths, or to Birmingham Conservatoire to take up a joint piano and organ scholarship.

He said: “Music is my life. I’d never give it up. It is enjoyable and I love the sound of the melody.

“When I am playing, I can relax. Sometimes your mind does wander, but you have to stay focussed.

“If it weren’t for my teachers, I wouldn’t have made it this far.”

Damon, of Rogers Close, Elstree, first became the organist for St Nicholas Church, Elstree, when he was just 13-years-old and wowed the parishioners with his talent.

He began playing the piano when he was seven-years-old and later moved on to the organ, before taking up the violin and the trumpet.

By the time he was 11-years-old, he achieved a distinction in his grade eight piano – a rare feat.

He was offered a scholarship to study music at the Birmingham Conservatoire, as well as places at two other top music schools.

Damon has had conducting lessons at school with teacher Robert Pepper MBE, and has also given performances at several school chamber concerts.

He added: “My dream is to one day conduct a national orchestra, but I chose to study maths to keep my options open.

“My teachers are the ones who have helped me through. I am so grateful to them.”

Damon will be playing in a concert at the church on Saturday, August 10 at 7pm. Tickets are £5 at the door or can be bought by ringing Karen Gardiner on 0208 953 1411.