A Croydon musician is riding high after taking out the BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Award.

Year 12 student at Archbishop Tenison’s Church of England School, Thomas Nielsen, has been playing the cornet since he was just eight years old.

He was delighted to hear he had won the national award.

"I'm still so surprised," he said.

"The other players were excellent so winning didn't really come into my mind.

"I was just glad to have played as well as I could.

"I am extremely grateful for all the support I have received from my family, friends, instrumental teachers and my school."

The final was broadcast live last week and and comprised of four finalists, each bringing their own unique sound to the event.

Headteacher at Archbishop's, Mr Parrish, called it an "extraordinary achievement."

"We congratulate Thomas, not just on winning, but also on the way he won it – with modesty as well as talent, with great spirit and courage in choosing three quite different pieces to play, and, no doubt, by winning round the audience with his delightful enthusiasm for his music," Mr Parrish said.

"I am so thrilled for him."