A TALENTED nine-year-old pianist has beaten competition from around the world to scoop a top musical prize.

Harvey Lin, from Bracknell, earned first place in the Young Pianist of the North competition.

The youngster beat entrants from Azerbaijan, China and Sweden in the competition, held in Newcastle, two weeks ago.

Harvey takes lessons at the Windsor Piano School and his teacher Edita Stankeviciute, said: "He's an extreme talent. He needs to be seen to be believed.

"Most people take two years to reach Grade One. Harvey is about to take his Grade Eight exam - the highest grade - after two years and three months [of learning the piano]." Harvey reached the second round of auditions for the BBC Young Musician of the Year and is the youngest winner of the Woodley Music Festival open class.

"He is so dedicated," Ms Stankeviciute added. "No-one pushes him or puts pressure on him, he will just practise for hours in the evenings, at weekends, whenever he gets a chance. It's rare to find that kind of commitment from someone that age.

"People are starting to recognise him because he's such a talent. When people see him play and they find out how old he is, they can't believe it."