A TEN-year-old Sutton boy has proved he is one of the best young accordian players in Britain.

Tom Hardaker, who attends Sutton County Primary School, was placed first in the under 11s Musette Solo class and third in the Elementary Solo class in the British Accordian Championships held at Scarborough this month.

Tom has been playing the accordion for the last three years and also plays the keyboard.

He became interested in the instrument through his keyboard teacher, Harry Hinchcliffe who runs an accordian group in Cross Hills.

Tom said: "I like the music that I play on the accordion. It's lively music such as tango and polka, that people want to dance to.

"The instrument looks eye catching," he added.

Tom had to compete at Glusburn to qualify for the championship final, and was the winner of his heat. But his success this year means he will automatically go through to next year's final.

"I was nervous as there was a lot of people at the championships," he said.

Tom plays all his pieces from memory, although he can read music. He is currently studying for his grade four exam in July.

His mother Sue Morgan, landlady of the King's Arms in Sutton, said Tom had won several trophies for his music and she was very proud of him.

She added: "He plays because he wants to and no-one has ever pushed him. I hope he carries on when he becomes a teenager."

Tom goes to South Craven school in September and hopes one day to be a pilot, but wants to continue playing music as well.

Mr Hinchcliffe said: "Tom has a lot of ability, it was his day to win everything really.

"He is among five really good players who showed a lot of potential and took England by storm at the national championships."

Tom was also among a group from the Craven Accordion Centre who came third in the preparatory class.

The youngsters were up against players of all ages and Mr Hinchcliffe said this was the best achievement of the group so far.

The centre was established 20 years ago by Mr Hinchcliffe who also taught his sons, Paul and Daniel - the national advanced duet champions in 1999.

The centre attracts people of all ages from all over the area, including Halifax and Ingleton.

The centre is holding an open evening tonight (Friday) at Glusburn Institute from 7.30-9pm where the public can come and hear the 30-strong orchestra practising.

A professional accordionist from Russia, Alexander Denkov, will also be attending.

The orchestra can be booked for special events and plays music ranging from entertaining and social to more classical pieces. To book the orchestra or for more information about classes at the Craven Accordion Centre ring Mr Hinchcliffe on 01535 635074.