Peter Moore, of Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, battled against four other talented youngsters in the grand final of the competition, staged at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, at the weekend.

His fellow finalists were Sheffield-born Jadran Duncumb, 18, on the guitar; flautist David Smith, 18, from Fife; Jim Molyneux, 17, a percussionist from Littleborough, also Greater Manchester; and Ipswich student Erdem Misirlioglu, an 18-year-old pianist.

Belfast-born Peter said: " I couldn't believe it when they read my name out, and it all seemed to happen quickly.

"It feels so good to join all the big names that have won before, and think of how prestigious it is.

"To be the youngest winner is just amazing. But I don't think age really matters in a competition like this."

Peter, who moved from Northern Ireland at the age of eight, has held the position of Principal Trombone of the National Children's Band of Great Britain for the last three years.

His choice of instrument did not come as a surprise for his family, who are all brass players.

Peter, who is in his third year at Chetham's School of Music, Manchester, and enjoys doing magic tricks, said: "I think playing the trombone is fun. It's something I always wanted to do. I didn't want to pick a boring instrument.

"In the future, I'd love to give concerts and entertain people, because I just enjoy playing so much."