LITTLE Max Mondryk is working his own kind of magic on stage.

The talented 10-year-old took on the role of his pop idol Freddie Mercury and won through to the final of a regional talent contest.

What makes Max's achievement all the more important to his family, is the fact that he suffers from Attention Defect Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and only took up singing lessons four months ago.

Max, a pupil at Higher Lane Primary in Whitefield, was diagnosed with ADHD five years ago and the condition makes it very difficult for him to concentrate.

His proud mum Sally said: "Max can be very erratic and he finds it difficult to stay with a task. At school he has special needs but winning his heat in the talent contest makes him a bit more socially acceptable. He's got a lovely voice and a recent school report said he would do better if he didn't sing power ballads in class!"

Performing seems to be in Max's blood - his father, Sally's ex-husband, is a musician and his grandfather, Sally's dad, was a comedian, performing with the likes of Des O'Connor at the London Palladium.

However, before joining Bury-based Stagecraft four months ago, which is run by family friend Wendy Rees, he never really sang at home.

Max went to see a show by Stagecraft, decided to join and took to performing like a duck to water.

Sally (36),of St Joseph's Avenue, Whitefield, said: "This was Max's first contest. He sang the Peter Kay version of Amarillo and Queen's Don't Stop Me Now and was the youngest entrant in the competition. He was absolutely fantastic and it felt wonderful to see him on stage. It took him two days to come down!"

Max will perform in the final of the J.R Junior Star Search in Stockport on May 13.