A ROCK guitarist and singer has signed a deal with one of the world's leading record companies.

County Durham's Pete Shoulder, who has just turned 18, put pen to paper in London on a six-album contract with Sony.

He said: "I'm delighted. I just can't believe it. It hasn't sunk in.

"I'd always dreamed of this and hoped I'd be in this situation. People in the industry can't believe how good a deal it is."

His manager, Steve Weltman, said: "It is a very exciting time and it is what any artist craves. The company is very excited to sign him and we are excited to sign."

The next few months are likely to be spent writing more songs, and his debut album could be launched first in the US.

Other companies, including Hollywood and Independiente, were expressing an interest in signing Pete earlier this year.

Although unheard of outside the North-East, the former Chester-le-Street schoolboy has built a following on the region's pub circuit among older blues and rock fans.

The guitarist, who writes his own songs, began playing gigs at the age of 13 with his trio Blue Shoulders, which broke up last year after performing to 8,000 people at the Stanley Blues Festival.

Audiences were astounded at the talent of the young musician.

Back in 1999, one reviewer wrote "This boy is going to be a legend".

Pete recorded several tracks earlier this year with a backing band made up of former members of Durham band Sugarwood.

John Kearney, of Northern Recording, the Consett studio where the recording was made, said: "There is no question that he is an enormous talent - guitar playing, singing and song writing.

"The fact that one of the four major global record companies has signed an 18-year-old who's come out of the North-East circuit is a massive success for the industry up here.

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