A YOUNG musician who took part in a musical contest and captivated the adjudicator received his award personally from the donor.

When 9-year-old Like Snowden sang “How far I’ll go” in the Disney class at the Wensleydale Tournament of Song held recently in Leyburn, he impressed the adjudicator Christina Thomson so much she decided he merited an individual award.

The Diana Hartley Plate is an individual trophy given to the most promising young musician under the age of 18 at the discretion of the adjudicator. However when the trophies were presented at the end of the contest Luke was not present to receive it personally from Mrs Hartley.

A highly talented-musician herself, Mrs Hartley conducts East Witton Male Voice Choir and the Askrigg Ladies. She insisted on travelling over to Pickhill School near Thirsk where Luke is a pupil and presenting him with the trophy personally. He also received, a medal and £50 cash from Mrs Hartley, she also heard him sing his winning song at the end of term assembly.

She said: “I asked when I gave the award, that this young person should not necessarily have won a class but show some spirit and musical promise. I hope that it will give encouragement to the winners to keep up their musical studies.

“Unfortunately I was not there the afternoon when Luke sang but I did hear him sing when I went to the school end of term service.

“I would say he was enthusiastic, engaging with the audience and showing obvious enjoyment.”