A young conductor from North Wales has landed his "dream job" with the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

Wrexham born Robert Guy, aged 36, expressed his deep honour at being appointed the conductor of the esteemed orchestra - a position held by his musical idol, Sir Simon Rattle.

Mr Guy has overcome childhood deafness to have a successful career in music as a conductor, educator and entrepreneur.

He had operations to widen his ear canals and when he was discharged from hospital aged 15, his hearing had been fully restored.

Besides being a conductor, Mr Guy is also an educator and co-founder, alongside his composer brother Jonathan, of NEW Sinfonia.

It is the resident orchestra at the North Wales International Music Festival has strong ties with the prestigious Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

The music group also runs a community vocal ensemble called NEW Voices, as well as an education programme named NEW Academi.

In recognition of his exceptional involvement in Welsh classical music, Mr Guy received the Hilary Tann Award last year.

The award's presenter, royal composer Paul Mealor, hailed Mr Guy as one of the UK’s "finest young conductors".

In September, Mr Guy is set to take over the baton at the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

The orchestra gives members the chance to perform alongside soloists and conductors at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

The young orchestra members also get to play side by side with the senior Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra at a concert scheduled for November.

In his professional early years, Mr Guy frequently teamed up with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra as a viola player.

Up until recently he was the director of Ensembles at the University of Manchester, heading their acclaimed Conducting Programme.

Mr Guy said: "It is a great honour to have been appointed Principal Conductor to the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

“I was invited to work with the orchestra earlier this year, when I prepared them for a special reunion concert conducted by Sir Simon Rattle, and later my own concert at the Philharmonic Hall.

“Sir Simon is a giant of classical music and one of my all-time musical heroes so this really is my dream job.

“I hope this can act as a springboard working towards the orchestra's 75th Birthday in 2026.

“The orchestra has a special history and I am proud to be a part of it, working alongside a great team.

“I am passionate about making classical music accessible to everyone and I would encourage all young people in Liverpool and the North West to sign up for an audition and be part of something very special for young people in the heart of Liverpool.”

Michael Eakin OBE, Chief Executive of Liverpool Philharmonic, said: "We are delighted that Robert will be joining Liverpool Philharmonic.

"His passion for music and many years’ experience as a conductor and musician will bring a fresh energy to our Youth Orchestra and help to inspire these incredibly talented young musicians."