A MUSICALLY-gifted teenager has become the first female organist to win a scholarship at one of the country’s top universities.

Stonyhurst College pupil Mary Ann Wootton, 17, has been awarded the organ scholarship from St Peter’s College, at the University of Oxford, after impressing the judging panel.

With the organ tucked away in the loft space of the college’s building, Mary Ann was unable to see how the judges reacted to her perfor-mance of Thalben Ball’s Elegy.

She said: “The organ was in the loft when I played the piece, so I couldn’t see how they reacted. I was pleased at how I played it. I didn’t feel bad afterwards. I was happy with how it had gone.”

Within weeks, Mary Ann found out she had won the scholarship – the first woman to do so.

Mary Ann, who plays at Blackburn Cathedral, said: “When I found out I had been given the scholarship I was thrilled and I instantly went to tell my mum.

“I will never forget that moment. I felt very honoured to get the scholarship. When I was told I was the first female to be awarded the scholarship from St Peter’s College that was just extra achievement.”

Mary Ann, from Long-ridge, said: “I hope that no other women will be put off applying. Even though I am the first female to win this scholarship, the chances are equal and there is no bias at all.”

Mary Ann will read music at St Peter’s College. She began playing the piano at the age of four after her parents found a teacher in Chorley who would help the youngster learn to play the instrument.

By the age of 10, she became the youngest person to pass a diploma with honours on the electric keyboard with the London College of Music and Thames Valley University.

Soon afterwards, aged 12, Mary Ann moved on to the theatre organ before progressing onto the classical organ when she was 15.