MODEST ten-year-old Michael Davis has every reason to blow his own trumpet.

The talented youngster of Little Marton, Blackpool, has won first place for his cornet playing at the Brass Band Championships.

He beat off strong competition from ten-year-olds and under from across the North-West to scoop the top prize of a £400 music scholarship.

Michael's success is an extra special triumph as he was pipped into second place by one point in last year's finals.

The event was sponsored for the second year by the finance company General Guarantee.

Its Bolton manager Bob Bonthrone praised the high standard of entrants as he presented Michael with his winner's certificate.

Mr Bonthrone commented: "The standard of the young musicians was very high but Michael's mature performance on the cornet was excellent.

"The tuition scholarship he won as runner-up last year has obviously been put to very good use."

Michael can now continue to develop his already promising musical career which he began at the age of three.

He regularly entertains audiences of Blackpool veterans, plays with Blackpool Brass and even played the ukelele on the Michael Barrymore television show at the age of four.

But despite his rise to fame, Michael's mum Beverley says his feet are staying firmly on the ground.

"He's just an ordinary little boy who takes things in his stride. He hadn't even told his teacher he had won," she said.

Blackpool was well represented in the competition with two other youngsters, Lee Hindle (ten) and Mark Trevethan (eight), winning runner-up prizes.

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