A MINEHEAD teenager has been invited by the Princess of Wales to attend a carol service at Westminster Abbey.

The official invite from the future Queen to the service on Friday (December 8) is a royal seal of approval for Anthony Knight's violin performing tour of Europe in aid of UNICEF.

Combining traditional and modern elements, the service will see the Westminster Abbey choir perform some of the nation’s best-loved carols, alongside musical performances by guests including Beverley Knight, Adam Lambert, Jacob Collier, Freya Ridings and James Bay.

Anthony, who attends Taunton School, said: "It's a huge honour to be invited to such a prestigious event."

He is currently on a concert tour of hotels across Europe during his school holidays in an attempt to raise £20,000 for UNICEF, which helps children in conflict zones.

He is planning to visit 12 countries over the coming year.

He has already played in the lobby bar of Albergo Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo, San Marco, one of the oldest hotels in Venice, dating from 1308 and situated next to a gondola station.

Anthony is scheduled to embark on the Baltic leg of his sponsored UNICEF Grand Tour, from next Monday, December 11, till Saturday, December 16.

He recently played as the leader of the second violins with the BBC Symphony Orchestra at the Awards for Young Musicians Awards Day at Maida Vale Studios along with a number of other award winners.

Speaking about his son's invite to Westminster Abbey, his father Paul said: "I'm very proud to think that Anthony's UNICEF Grand Tour has had a royal seal of approval."

The service will recognise all those who work to support babies, young children and families in communities across the UK.

Spearheaded by the Princess and supported by The Royal Foundation, it will highlight the importance of building supportive, nurturing environments for children and the adults in their lives.

Among the inspiring individuals invited to the Abbey in recognition of the work they do to help the youngest members of society to flourish will be midwives, health visitors, early years practitioners, nursery teachers and community volunteers.

The service will be filmed for broadcast and will air in the UK as part of a special programme on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve.