A TEENAGE drummer is fast becoming a big noise in the music industry with his work testing high-tech instruments.

Sixteen-year-old Will Seabury's latest trial could take the earache out of practice sessions for every budding drummer.

Will, from Crook, County Durham, is testing "silent drums" for Yamaha, the world's biggest manufacturer of musical instruments - and the neighbours don't mind a bit because the sound is reproduced through headphones.

The DTXpress drums are carbon fibre pads which reproduce the sound and feel of playing a traditional kit - but without the noise.

Will is so sure they will stay silent that he is testing them on Tuesday in the peaceful setting of Crook library.

Will and his 13-year-old sister, Madeleine, inherited their musical ability from their late father, John, who was one of the most respected guitar product reviewers in the music industry.

Will said: "I picked up a lot from Dad from watching what he was doing, and I couldn't have had a better teacher.