AN 11-year-old's musical career has reached a crescendo after becoming one of the youngest in the country to pass exams normally taken by university students.

Alexander Bone has just achieved 86 per cent in his saxophone diploma - making him one of the most talented saxophonists in the country.

Alexander, of Caldwell, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, may be the youngest person in the country to achieve the standard.

He took the exam earlier this month and this week received the news about his exceptional result together with comments from examiners praising his musical expression, phrasing and interpretation.

His father Steve, who teaches him, said: "The chief examiner told me that he cannot remember anyone passing the exam at such a young age. This grade is normally achieved by someone studying music at university."

Alexander, a pupil at Barnard Castle Preparatory School, has been playing the saxophone for the past five years.

He passed his grade one saxophone only months after first picking up the instrument and passed his grade four by the time he was eight years old.

Alexander achieved the highest grade eight standard last July and began working towards his diploma.

"I started playing the piano when I was four," he said. "But I enjoy playing the saxophone and one day would love to play with Jools Holland."

Alexander comes from a musical family. His father teaches music and also has a band, Jump the Q, while his mother, Fiona, is a professional singer.

"I was in the other room when he was taking his exam and it sounded like a jam session, which was really great," said Mr Bone.

"The really impressive thing is the maturity that comes out in his playing. He really engages with the audience."

Alexander has secured a music scholarship at Barnard Castle School and will be mentored by tutor and renowned saxophonist Mick Donnelly, who will teach him clarinet and flute.

He also hopes to record a CD of blues soon and plans to work to wards the next level, the ALCM exams.