A bright new talent has become the first guitarist to scoop the prestigious title of Essex young musician of the year.

Clive Carroll, 24, of Blackmore End, Braintree, beat off stiff competition to win the £500 prize money.

The competition attracted top musical talents from across the county but it was Mr Carroll who wowed judges with his classical solo pieces.

He said: "I was shocked when I heard I had won. I was really pleased to get through to the semi-finals let alone the finals.

"It is an honour to win the prize and has given me a lot of exposure. I believe I am the first classical guitarist to enter the competition so I am really pleased."

The concert, held last Sunday, was organised by the Ongar Music Club. The winner was decided by a panel of professional judges chaired by the club's new president, pianist John Lill.

Event organiser Jean Hall said: "The four finalists were of such high standard the audience held its breath."

An album of Mr Carroll's guitar-playing is due out in September.

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