HE first picked up an instrument at the age of five and now at the age of 14 Rhys Cave has been crowned Basildon Young Musician of the Year.

It was second time lucky for the youngster, who also entered the competition last year, where he won his class group but failed to claim the top prize.

This time however he wowed both the audience and the adjudicators with his cornet playing.

Rhys, a pupil at Gable Hall School, Corringham, fought off competition from more than 80 other youngsters who strummed, blew, banged and plucked all with the hope of making the final following two days of heats.

Rhys said: "I am shocked to have won but it is fantastic. I really wanted to win as I took part last year and wanted to come back and do better.

"I come from a musical family and both my sister and my mum also play the cornet.

The beaming youngster added: "It makes me feel great when I play, I love being able to express myself with music."

The competition was organised by the Rotary Club of Basildon Concord, for youngsters up to the age of 19 living or attending school in the Basildon district, and classes included brass, woodwind, acoustic instruments and drums.

The finals took place at Towngate Theatre, St Martin's Square, Basildon, where the 21 finalists performed in front of an audience, as well as adjudicators Ann-Frances Ellis and Stan Hewitt.

Guests included MP Angela Smith who said: "This has really been a celebration of local talent and it shows just what talent we have in this area. Our problem is that we don't always shout about it.

Rhys, from Grays, will now compete on behalf of the Basildon area at the Rotary District 1240 Young Musician of the Year.