A BLACKWELL musician scooped a top prize at a Bromsgrove Festival competition.

Thomas Phelps, from Birkdale Avenue, is studying music technology at Worcester Technology College.

The 17-year-old was awarded the honour of best individual performance at the Battle of the Bands competition, which was held at the Ryland Centre, New Road, on April 22.

Thomas was rewarded for his efforts as drummer of the band Psyxize, who were runners-up at the event to overall winners Colidian.

"I was extremely pleased to get the award, but a lot of the credit has to go to the band, it was a collective effort. I have been in many bands, but only seem to play well with them."