A teenage church organist is flying across the pond to prove his musical skills are worthy of a world title.

Robert Sudall, pictured, has reached the final of an international competition run by the American Theatre Organ Society and will compete in Indianapolis in August.

Robert, 17, of Woodlands Road, Eldwick, made an entry tape on a Wurlitzer organ and his selection of classical numbers and tunes from the musical South Pacific was music to the ears of the judges.

Robert will compete with two other musicians for the world crown.

"When I saw a list of the people who had won and my name was there I couldn't believe it," said the Bingley Grammar School pupil.

Robert, organist at St Wilfrid's Church in Gilstead, won the junior section in 1998 and went to San Francisco to compete - but did not win the overall title.

If he comes first he will be invited back to play a concert in San Diego next year.

The A-level student first started playing the organ at the age of five and has reached Grade 8 standard.

Robert was British Young Organist of the Year in 1996 when he achieved his dream of playing the Wurlitzer at Blackpool Tower and performs in concerts around the country.