A TALENTED young drummer has proved he can hit the right notes after a winning performance in a school contest.

Students at The King's Academy, Middlesbrough, voted for their favourite act with drum soloist Jack Sutton taking the honours beating urban dancer Ali Hussain into second place.

The 11-year-old drummer said: "I got my first drum kit when I was just three and really enjoy playing. I was really surprised and pleased to win as there were so many other good acts. I love playing but don't see that I will do it as a profession because I want to be a doctor."

The 16 acts performed in front of a panel of four teachers - Chris Lynch, Luke Garmham, Lucy Cockerline and Lucy Dear - before fellow pupils cast their votes.

Presenting the show, Principal Chris Drew told the audience that the academy's maths teacher had taught Victoria Hesketh, better known as Little Boots, while he had taught Take That's Gary Barlow.

He said: "It is amazing what can develop from your first performance. It is quite a daunting experience and it has taken a great deal of courage but our competitors have done phenomenally well and the talent we have seen is among the best so far."

Performers ranged from soloists to dancers, drummers to a cornet player, with music varying from pop to classical numbers.