Two talented young primary school musicians from Newham have won London-wide scholarships to carry on their passion.

In the second round of Mayor’s Music Scholarships to be given out, Teodora Paduret, nine, and Hiba Qureshi, 10, joined 100 schoolchildren from across the capital at a special ceremony at City Hall last month.

Teodora, who plays the flute, is a pupil at Winsor Primary School in Beckton while Hiba, who attends Nelson Primary School in East Ham, plays the cello.

Both talented youngsters were recommended by the scholarship through the Newham Academy of Music where they take lessons and they also got to meet British classical double bass player and Mayor’s Fund for Young Musicians patron Chi-chi Nwanoku.

The scholarshops offer Teodora and Hiba a minimum of 2.5 hours provision per week, weekly tuition, group lessons with no more than six players, classes at a weekend centre, regular performance opportunities and chances to see professional concerts, a named mentor, and access to instruments they can take home.

They are among 66 talented schoolchildren aged seven to 11 to receive a Mayor’s Music Scholarship in January.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “We know that learning a musical instrument can have a powerful impact on a child’s life, helping in their social, emotional and academic development.

“Sadly, too many families in London cannot afford to pay for music lessons, even for very talented children.

“By investing in these scholarships, the Fund is enriching the lives of hundred of children and also making sure London remains the top city in the world for all kinds of music.

“I wish the Fund and the 66 talented scholars every success.”

Ginny Greenwood, Mayor’s Fund for Young Musicians chief executive, said: “Thanks to the enormous generosity of individuals and businesses around London, these talented children, who would have to stop learning without external financial support, will now receive four years of instrumental tuition both at school and at Saturday morning music centre, as well as the opportunity to perform and attend concerts.

“Our ambition is to raise enough money every year to fund at least 150 four year scholarships - a commitment of �600,000 - so that by 2016 600 children will be benefitting from the scheme.”