A visually impaired 17-year-old from Witney has performed at a national event with the Oxfordshire County Youth Choir.

Millie Shaw, who is supported by Oxfordshire County Council’s music service, sang at the Music for Youth’s National Festival in Birmingham.

Her mother, Victoria Beaumont, said: "Being in the choir, which she joined in January, has given my Millie a sense that she’s good at something."

Millie found the rehearsals challenging, but grew in confidence with the support of her teachers.

She said: "There were a lot of steps, twists, and turns to learn in readiness to perform on an unfamiliar stage in Birmingham Town Hall.

“My teacher was amazing, helping me count and learn the number of steps, and arranging for me to walk on stage in advance so I could get a feel of it.

"When you’ve got sight loss, this thoughtful extra support makes such a difference."

The council’s music teachers have also helped Millie with her GCSE music studies at the Marlborough School in Woodstock.

She was given one-to-one tuition in a quiet classroom environment, and has reached the heights of singing a grade seven level duet of Mozart’s Don Giovanni.

Millie has also taken part in studio recording sessions, which have further boosted her confidence.

Victoria said: "Singing has been the making of Millie, and I can’t thank enough the brilliant and professional team in Oxfordshire County Council’s music service."