AN eleven-year-old saxophonist wowed an audience when he was invited to play on stage with a professional jazz and blues band.

Barnard Castle Preparatory School boy Alexander Bone ended up jamming with professional saxophonist Snake Davis before an audience of 200 at Darlington Art Centre.

Alexander, of Caldwell, North Yorkshire, is one of the youngest people in the country to achieve a diploma in saxophone - a standard normally achieved at university.

He also secured a music scholarship at Barnard Castle School and a sponsorship deal with Darlington music store George Gladstone.

His father Steve arranged for Snake to officially present Alexander with a new instrument - his first clarinet - when he was invited to play at the concert.

Mr Bone, who teaches him, explained: "Snake gave him a CD and told him to listen to track 13. Then, without even practising it, he played with Snake and his band at the concert.

Snake said he played really well and was amazed what a great musical ear he has."

Snake, who has played with Amy Winehouse, added: "It is rare to find someone this young who shows this level of commitment to his music and is so passionate and talented."

Alexander has been playing the saxophone for five years and achieved 86 per cent in his diploma.

He said: "I really enjoy playing the saxophone and am looking forward to learning the clarinet. Playing with Snake at a proper concert was amazing."

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.

The youngster has also started recording a CD of his own compositions and plans to work towards the next level, the ALCM exams.