VIOLINIST Steven Proctor is being tipped for the top after joining the ranks of the UK's most talented musicians.

The 15-year-old, who attends High Tunstall School, in Hartlepool, was one of 60 new entrants selected for the National Youth Orchestra (NYO) of Great Britain in the face of stiff competition.

Now his quest for a professional career in music is being supported by both his school and the Excellence in Hartlepool Partnership.

This is part of the Government's national Excellence in Cities campaign, which aims to boost the performance of pupils in inner city and urban secondary schools.

John Collings, Excellence in Hartlepool coordinator, said: "Steven is one of the best musical talents to ever come out of Hartlepool."

The help Steven is receiving includes small-scale financial assistance.

Mr Collings said: "Excellence in Cities will bring more than £5m into Hartlepool over the next four years."

Steven has played the violin since he was eight and has already performed at venues such as Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, the Symphony Hall, Birmingham, and the Royal Albert Hall, in London.

He will be taking part in the BBC's Proms with the NYO.

Steven travels to Manchester every Saturday to attend the Junior School at the Royal Northern College of Music.