A ROWLEY Regis music teacher had to hit the high notes when he completed six examinations on different instruments in one day in aid of charity.

Russell Lock, aged 23, can now blow his own trumpet after achieving grade eight distinctions in the trumpet, trombone, bass trombone, euphonium, tuba and tenor horn.

The music teacher has raised nearly £2,000 for Cancer Research UK after choosing the charity due to his father successfully battled the disease.

He said: "It was a long day and was quite difficult but I was delighted to walk away with six distinctions.

"I had a bit of a cold and was really nervous but by time I got to the euphonium I was thinking whatever happens happens and I relaxed a lot more."

He added: "I have heard of one person doing two musical examinations in one day but never six and now I know why, it was very mentally draining and I would not recommend it to anyone else.

" After begging, borrowing and stealing from instrumentalists more qualified than myself I developed the repertoire of music, I had to practice after work for several hours every day for months."

He added: "Anne Tinsley, took on the challenge of learning all of the piano parts for this challenge.

"And as there were 12 pieces of difficult piano parts make this was challenge worthy of note in itself."

Russell also had a helping hand from other organisations which ensured the challenge went smoothly."

"And I would to thank John Packer Ltd, Denis Wick, Trinity College London and Sandwell Music and Arts Service for making this event possible and supporting it in all of the ways they did."

Russell, who teaches at Springfield Primary School and works for Sandwell Music and Arts Service across the borough, added: "It has been great to raise so much money for a worthy cause like Cancer Research UK as I have seen at close hand the wonderful work they do tackling this terrible disease.

"Cancer Research UK is entirely funded by donations from the public, so events like this really do make a difference."

To donate to Russell Lock's fundraising campaign visit www.justgiving.com/Russell-Lock.