A YOUNG violinist is heading for the top thanks to support from a local instrument maker.

Steven Proctor, 16, from Hartlepool, has been playing the violin since the age of eight and thanks to the support of local violinmakers and restorers, Crinson and Gohlmann, he can continue to develop as a musician.

Steven was faced with the cost of buying a new violin until Nigel Crinson offered to lend the teenager a Guameri Del Gesu model.

A violinmaker for 12 years, Mr Crinsonl works with his wife from a workshop in their Hartlepool home, making antique copies of Italian instruments.

He said: "With the right instrument, Steven's musical talent is shining through and will help him to develop his career as a musician. I'm more than happy to be able to help him recognise and build upon his potential and wish him every success. It is an extremely competitive industry."

A member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, Steven visits the Royal Northern College of music in Manchester every Saturday to continue his tuition.

His also played in the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall during the summer.

He said: "There is only so far I could go without the use of a great instrument, but now I am able to explore the violin on a whole new level."