A youngster has earned a place in Salisbury Cathedral Choir, one of the country’s leading Cathedral Choirs.

Seven-year-old Zeeshan Mahmud has won a prestigious chorister scholarship from Salisbury Cathedral to study as a full boarder at Salisbury Cathedral School from April 2018.

Zeeshan’s mother Momtaj said, "I am a disabled mother of two and my husband is a taxi driver.

"We have tried to do whatever we can to support our child in his aspirations and we are so proud of all his achievements. 

"Coming from an underprivileged and disadvantaged background this is a huge achievement for anyone from our family or our community.” 

Zeeshan is currently a probationer at the Portsmouth Cathedral where he nurtured his love of choral music.

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Zeeshan said, “I just love singing and this is why I am already a Chorister at the Portsmouth Cathedral.

“When I am singing in the choir I feel very peaceful and united as one. I want to ensure I become a world class chorister one day.

“Coming from a Muslim background it is really unusual to have such an ambition but I wish to be the first well known Muslim chorister.

“I have been to choir residential courses run by the RSCM which I have loved. I am learning to play the piano and would love to progress onto playing the organ like my sister.

“I am also learning the cello and guitar. I love listening to music especially Classical Music. One of my favourite radio stations has to be Classical FM.”

Zeeshan is also part of a local theatre group and has acted in plays including Alice in Wonderland and was recently handpicked to take part in the world class Madame Butterfly opera show.

Speaking of his inspirations, Zeeshan said, “The police are my heroes. They put themselves in harm’s way to make our lives safer and happier.

I'd love to have a similar job when I grow up where I can help people and keep them safe.”