Hours of practice and dedication has paid off for a talented youngster after she was nominated for the Happiness Centre/Ilkley Gazette Helping Hand award.

Jasmine Judd, 11, of East Parade, Ilkley, had violin lessons at Ashlands School for the past year and developed a passion for the instrument.

She was desperate to continue when she moved to Ilkley Grammar School, but discovered funding for free music lessons was not available to secondary students and her dreams of continuing to learn were dashed.

Luckily, her violin teacher Lindsay Gledhill spotted the Happiness Centre appeal to give away donated money to deserving groups and individuals in the Ilkley Gazette and filled in the coupon without telling Jasmine or her mother.

“I was so thrilled to receive a call from the Happiness Centre while I was on holiday to say they wanted to encourage Jasmine with this award,” said Mrs Gledhill.

“She is such an enthusiastic pupil and I really feel it would be such a shame if the lessons were not available to her. I am delighted.”

Kimm Fearnley, founder of The Happiness Centre, said they were so impressed with Jasmine it had been decided to fund her lessons at school for as many years as she wanted.

Happiness Centre profits are used to support groups and individuals like Jasmine, as well as charities and funding the education of children through MySmallHelp in Nepal.

“We feel passion and commitment deserves to be recognised and look forward to seeing Jasmine progress,” Mrs Fearnley said.

The centre, based above The Veggie Cafe, in Leeds Road, is giving away another £300 to £500 this month, so if you would like to nominate your group or charity, or a committed person such as Jasmine, to achieve a dream, complete the form.

The centre is running a children’s writing competition as part of Ilkley Literature Festival and has cultural and holistic events as well as daily free (non-religious) meditation, all suitable for beginners.

Other events include the first Happiness Day on Sunday, October 2, including mind-body-spirit, craft and entertainment stands and a chance to sample the therapies. Profits from all events are used to give away in The Helping Hand Fund. For a list of events and treatments go to ilkleyhappinesscentre.com.