A Redcar man is hoping to scale great heights in his professional music career - and bring pride to his home town.

Kerry Prest, 22, a former pupil of West Redcar School, has recently gained a Bachelor of Music degree from Trinity College, London and is aiming for worldwide fame.

Before he left Redcar, Kerry was choir master and organist at Coatham Parish Church.

His parents, Alun and Carol, of Coatham High Street, West Redcar, are delighted with their son's success.

Mr Prest, who is a music teacher as well as musical director of Marske Brass Band, said: "Though I was amazed that Kerry had such a wonderful gift and it was natural, I do feel it was God-given."

Kerry has appeared in several West End shows and as a soloist at the Jermyn Street Theatre.

He has also been employed as choirmaster for singers' and composers' CDs. Kerry also has ambitions to write a musical by the end of the year