A schoolgirl from Borehamwood has been chosen as the youngest finalist in a national music competition.

Jodie Bloom hopes to sway judges with the sweet sound of her saxophone when she performs during the final of the Emunah Young Musician of the Year Award.

Jodie, a pupil at North London Collegiate School in Harrow, was one of 11 chosen to perform at the Royal Academy of Music in London on March 9, where the winner will be picked.

The nine-year-old started playing the saxophone two years ago and the London heats earlier this month, in which she came second in the woodwind category, was her first public performance.

She said: “I was over the moon and shocked when I heard the news – I never expected to get through to the final.  I was taking part purely for the experience.  I loved playing my chosen piece Tango Til You Drop as I know it very well.”

Jodie, who is also a singer, practices four times a week and wants to be a professional musician when she grows up.

Her mother Natalie said she was “very proud” of her daughter’s achievements.

She added: “Jodie is a very talented young girl, she’s taking her Grade 5 this summer and loves playing.

“She was nervous about performing so we told her just to play as if she were practising. Afterwards one of the judges said she was a ‘natural’, a ‘true star’ who was very at ease on the stage.

“The saxophone has become popular in recent years so I’m sure there will be plenty of demand for her talents if she goes professional."

The annual competition helps raise cash for the Emunah charity, which supports 10,000 children in Israel who come from difficult backgrounds through its network of residential homes, counselling services, high schools and day care centres.

Money will be raised through the sale of tickets and the winner of the competition will also receive a £300 prize for their school.

Tickets must be booked in advance, details from 020 8203 6066 or email alison@emunah.org.uk