AN inspirational teenager born with no lower arms has amazed readers with his musical achievements.

Romanian-born Cornel Hrisca-Munn moved to Whittington, near Worcester, after being adopted by Ken and Doreen Munn.

The 15-year-old appeared in the Worcester News at the beginning of February when he got through to the final of the Young Drummer of the Year competition, and since then readers from as far as New York have posted messages of support on the paper's website www.worcesternews.co.uk.

Cornel, who also plays the bass guitar, fought off competition from 441 fellow musicians to get through to the final 12 in the contest.

The Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College student, who won a Child of Courage award at the Pride of Britain Awards in March 2004, has become quite the celebrity and last week was visited by Romanian reporters.

He said the interest generated by his story was completely unexpected.

"It was a shock, but it's good that people are interested," said Cornel, who teaches other children to play the drums.

He said he hopes it will help boost funds for his charity, the Cornel Romanian Rehabilitation Centre Trust, set up to treat people with missing limbs and disabilities.

"It was interesting, because they don't know much about sponsorship over in Romania, so it was good to introduce them to a new concept and spread the news about the charity in the place where it will actually be helping people," he said.

"I have an artificial leg myself and I have had such amazing treatment, I want people to be able to experience the same opportunities in life which I have been able to have."

The registered charity provides treatment for 60 patients in borrowed rooms, but needs about £200,000 to set up its own premises in Constanta.