Violinist who studied at Newark School of Violin Making opens stringed instrument shop in Stamford

A musician has combined her twin passions of craft and music to forge a new career.

Libby Summers opened her stringed instrument shop in her home town of Stamford on Monday.

Violinist and violin teacher Libby studied at the Newark School of Violin Making, completing her four-year course in making and restoration earlier this year.

The violin school, seen as one of the best places in the world to study, attracts students from around the world.

Libby met many other violin makers and dealers, and built a reputation for matching players to instruments as well as for making them.

She wanted to represent the new makers emerging from the school, and this was one of the drivers for her shop, Stamford Strings.

Libby will be selling work from new makers, alongside antique violins, many of which she restores herself.

Stamford Strings will cater for the student market and professional musicians.