Classical violinist extraordinaire Nicola Benedetti MBE is set to perform a rare local concert in the run-up to Christmas.

The internationally acclaimed West Kilbride born musician will be performing at St John's Church on 22 December, the 'News' can exclusively reveal.

Nicola is described as 'one of the most sought-after violinists of her generation'.

Her ability to captivate audiences with her innate musicianship and dynamic presence, coupled with her wide appeal as a high-profile advocate for classical music, has made her one of the most influential classical artists of today.

With concerto performances at the heart of her career, Nicola is in much demand with major orchestras and conductors across the globe.

For the special occasion, St John's Church have hired a grand piano to come in for accompaniment.

It is the first time that Nicola has performed in Largs since 2013 when she performed at Barrfields Theatre, and is quite a coup for the local church.

Reverend Jonathan Fleming is delighted, and said: "We have hired a grand piano area for the big occasion.

"Tickets will be going on sale via the St John's Church website, and the event will be followed by a cheese and wine."

St John's Church has a capacity for 550 people, and is expected to sell out for the big occasion in the run-up to Christmas.

There are a number of concerts taking place at the church with another big draw in Stuart Townsend performing on 22 November.

Stuart is one of today’s leading worship songwriters. Hymns such as “In Christ alone”, “How deep the Father’s love” and “The power of the cross” are sung in churches around the world, while the skill and depth of his lyric writing has drawn some to compare his contribution to hymnody to that of Watts and Wesley.

Aside from writing, Stuart travels around the UK and abroad, leading worship at events and performing concerts on his own or with his band. An accomplished musician, arranger and producer, he also has years of experience in teaching and training musicians who serve in local church worship.

Stuart has featured on numerous live albums, and to date has recorded nine solo albums, the most recent of which is “The paths of grace”. He appears regularly on the BBC’s popular Songs of Praise Programme. In June 2017 Stuart was delighted to receive from the Archbishop of Canterbury The Thomas Cranmer Award for Worship “for his outstanding contribution to contemporary worship music.”