A CRAFTSMAN is proving he can hit the right notes after beating international competition to supply musical instruments to the military.

Richard Smith yesterday presented the Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Band, based at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, with six fanfare trumpets.

Dr Smith, who works from a converted barn near Sheriff Hutton, York, has also been selected as sole supplier of cornets to the RAF.

The instrument-maker beat competition from makers in Japan, France, Germany and the US to win the contracts.

Speaking at yesterday's presentation, he said: "The thrill for me is seeing and hearing them being put to use by the musicians. The important thing is that these trumpets have been made in Yorkshire for the only military band in the county."

The six trumpets took more than a month to make and each instrument costs about £1,500.

Dr Smith's other clients include South Yorkshire Police, the trumpet section of the HallÃ, Britain's longest-established symphony orchestra, the Salvation Army and the US military.

Professional musicians with many of the country's symphony orchestras also use the North Yorkshire craftsman's instruments. Captain Jason Griffiths, the Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Band's director of music, said: "Our cavalry trumpets have to be in tune, responsive and reliable.

"Our musicians depend on them day in, day out for a distinctive musical sound.

"In my experience, the only instrument-maker to offer that kind of consistent quality is Yorkshire's own Richard Smith."

Dr Smith won the RAF contract after a day-long test when RAF musicians from across the country declared his instruments the best.

Dr Smith has written a doctoral thesis on trumpet acoustics and is described as one of the world's foremost authorities on the subject.

His instruments are tested by renowned trumpet player Derek Watkins. Before the pair set up their own business, Smith Watkins, Dr Smith worked for British instrument manufacturer Boosey and Hawkes.

Smith Watkins is the world's only manufacturer of a full range of sophisticated chromatic fanfare trumpets, which can play every note in the scale.

The instruments are used for royal and ceremonial occasions.