World class violinist Nicola Benedetti has spoken about how thrilled she was to receive her CBE from Prince Charles at a Buckingham Palace investiture.

The 31 year old musician from West Kilbride described it as an 'enormous honour' and has given her further inspiration to use her influence to push for improved music education for all.

In 2004, aged 16, Nicola won the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition.

She performs throughout the world and has recently completed a tour in China with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and even managed to perform at St John's Church in Largs for her first local concert in five years recently, gaining a standing ovation and even bringing her close to tears, with her family sitting in the audience.

And just days after the concert, Nicola was named Commander in the British Empire in the New Year's Honours list, to add to her MBE she received for music and charity in 2013.

After receiving her honour at Buckingham Palace, Nicola said: "I am very grateful to receive this honour. Thank you. This meaningful public recognition encourages me to deepen my commitment to music, to playing and to providing enrichment, inspiration and variation to the education system that serves communities throughout the UK.

"I am more resolved than ever to reinforce my advocacy for the arts and culture, and to challenge what it means to teach music well. We often hear about the unintended benefits of studying music.

"We are also told that an education inclusive of the arts develops character.

"But, let’s consider the simple and profound beauty of just seeing and hearing people playing and singing together, and offering something personal to an audience full of strangers?

"I have so many times, witnessed the fulfilment, heightened emotion and sense of community this collective action produces. It shakes us out of routine and connects us with higher purpose. It is a truly beautiful, wondrous thing, worthy of our attention and our investment.

"I only hope to prove my worthiness of honours such as this one through my continued and absolute dedication."