A FORMER Hermitage Academy pupil who is a classical musician by day and a boxer by night has been made an ambassador for a leading music charity.

has now become an ambassador for a charity which supports people with one of her two passions.

Hannah Rankin, from Luss, was invited to take on the role with Music For All, a charity which provides instruments, tuition and funding to enable as many people as possible to have the chance to play music.

Hannah, 27, who makes a living as a professional bassoonist, is known as ‘The Classical Warrior’ as a result of her twin passions.

Hannah was delighted to be asked to be an ambassador and will now promote the charity's work and will work alongside them to make music accessible for all.

She said: “Music for All got in touch with me after reading the article on my music and boxing careers in the news.

“I was of course delighted to be involved as I strongly feel everyone should get the chance to take part in music in their local area, and the charity works hard to help provide instruments for people who can’t necessarily afford their own, find funding for organisations to help set up musical groups in the community, and promote the life changing benefits of music making.

“As an ambassador I promote the charity’s work and will work alongside them on their ‘Learn to Play’ days, and hopefully do some performances with my quintet as well.”

Hannah, who now lives in London and is pursuing a second career as a super-welterweight boxer, played with two orchestras in Helensburgh in her youth, and credits both with giving her the tools to pursue her chosen career.

The former Hermitage Academy pupil, who played with orchestras in Helensburgh when she was younger has credited the groups who gave her the tools to pursue her career.

She said: “I was lucky enough to have access to the Helensburgh Saturday Orchestra, as it was known then, and this gave me my first experience of orchestra.

“Then I moved into playing in the Helensburgh Orchestral Society when I was older. I’m now a professional Bassoonist, making a living as a musician and I credit these groups and my family for giving me the tools to have this career.

“Some communities aren’t that lucky and this is where Music for All comes in.”

Hannah,whose two passions are further reflected in her Twitter handle (@BoxinNBassoonin), is excited to be able to work with the charity and help other people through music.

She added: “Currently I freelance in and around London, teach the bassoon, flute, clarinet and music theory, and also perform with my quintet alongside my professional boxing career.

“Music has allowed me to travel all over the world, meet some great people and play with some amazing ensembles and this is why it’s been really nice to be asked to become an ambassador for MfA.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to help others create memories and meet other like-minded people and most of all enjoy themselves.”

Paul McManus, chief executive of Music for All, said: “Our charity is fortunate enough to have great musicians who give up their time to endorse and support our cause.

“We are very proud to have Hannah with us an ambassador and she is already doing wonderful things in spreading the word about us.

“We continually try and find ways to inspire and support people to take up music making – and what better inspiration than Hannah.”

Hannah made short work of her first fight in Scotland on Friday night, taking just 59 seconds to see off the threat of 25-fight Hungarian veteran Klaudia Vigh at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow.