A BUDDING Stanford-le-Hope musician has been given a boost after winning a place at "rock school".

St Clere's Secondary School pupil and guitarist, Jack Nyland, 13, has won a place at the Square' in Harlow - a rock school funded by Essex County Council.

Jack, whose influences include The Jam, The Small Faces, The Fratellis and Oasis, had to audition for the place in July and was chosen from over 70 people.

There were just 20 places available at the school for young people aged from 12 to 18.

Jack's mum Jane Ward, 38, of Capel Close, Stanford-le-Hope, said: "We are immensely proud of him."

"He devotes every spare minute of his time to his guitar playing and hopes to form a band and go to music college when he leaves school."

The Square has seen artists such as The Libertines, Blur and Oasis grace its stage.

Jack is set to appear at the Harlow Town Show on September 2.

Jane added: "We hope he does well, but he has made us very proud and we will be in Harlow to support him."