TRUMPET player Matt Harris has fought off fierce competition to become Swindon's Young Musician of the Year.

The 16-year-old from Commonweal School won the title last month after performing a challenging jazz solo in front of competition judges.

He said: "I am really glad to be Swindon's young musician of the year and I hope the win will help encourage younger children to take up music."

Matt has been playing the trumpet since he was just eight years old after he heard a musician playing a trumpet at his primary school.

He said: "I heard the sound and just thought that I would give it a go and it's kind of gone from there."

The competition - organised through Swindon Council's music service - attracts young talent from across the town to compete every year.

Matt never thought of entering the competition until he was nominated by his teachers.

Josie Williams, of Commonweal School, said: "He is a real fresh young talent and will certainly go far.

"He's a fantastic role model for other budding musicians and I am sure he'll be a household name one day."

But modest Matt wasn't so sure.

He said: "Everyone at the competition played classical music so when I came along having chosen jazz I was convinced I would lose.

"I couldn't believe it when they told me I had won and one of the judges even said that they couldn't fault my performance which was great to hear."

Matt will be performing at Commonweal's Spring Chamber concert on March 18.