TAUNTON School music student Freddie Cooney has won a prestigious award from Durham University.

The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is worth £2,000 per annum and involves a highly competitive process. Freddie has been an oboist in the school orchestra and tenor in the chapel choir and Choral Society since Year 10 and is currently studying for A2 music. Director of music Mark Cracknell said: “He will be taking an active role in participating and promoting Durham University’s music department and is thrilled at the prospect of getting as involved there as he has been at Taunton School.”

Freddie, 18, is the son of Taunton estate agent Robert Cooney and his wife Alison.

He and his twin, Henri, are in the Upper Sixth, while their sister, Ruby, is in the prep school and was head girl last term.