An Oxford scientist has discovered he has a hidden talent for songwriting after reaching the final of a national contest.

Memory research scientist Dr Andy Lee is celebrating after winning a place in the final of the UK Songwriting Contest.

He earned his spot in the final of the instrumental section with his classical piano composition entitled Airborne and he was also a finalist with his piece entitled A Walk in the Clouds.

Dr Lee, 29, first started playing the piano when he was five years old, but decided to make a career in the science world because it was more secure.

The dad-of-one said: "Music and science are two of my passions, although science has taken precedence so far.

"I decided to give my music a go this summer by entering the UKSC and am thrilled to have become a finalist in a competition that attracts thousands of entries. Hopefully, this will open up new opportunities in music for me to explore."

Dr Lee, who lives in Hertford Street, East Oxford, entered the competition two years ago in the Christian and religious section, but without success.

He added: "I love all sorts of music, but I just didn't have any success on that occasion.

"I think it made it all the more sweeter this time around."

A Walk in the Clouds was inspired by his wife Rutsuko and Airborne is a reflection of Mr Lee's dreams as a youth about the future.

He added: "In my day job I do a lot of thinking and analysing and for me music is a way of escaping all that.

"I had opportunities to go to music school when I was younger.

"It's something I would like to do in the future, but I think as a hobby as opposed to a full-time occupation."