A MAESTRO of the spoons is passing on his rare skills to a new generation.

Former world champion Bert Draycott has been teaching youngsters the art of spoon playing to keep the musical tradition alive.

And one of his young proteges could soon be following in his footsteps at the first Junior World Spoons Playing Championships.

Organisers of the annual Trimdon Folk Festival, in County Durham, revived the championships two years ago but this time it will include a junior section for the first time.

The cutlery king, who held the title for 30 years until losing out last year, has been coaching pupils at schools in Fishburn and Trimdon.

Yesterday he was at St William's RC Primary School, in Trimdon Village, where the youngsters were so enthusiastic they ended up with blisters.

Headteacher Sheila Doherty said: "Bert has been an absolute source of delight, he knows all the fancy moves and he's very patient with the children."

Mr Draycott said the children had responded well and feels there is a future champion in the making.

He said: "There are some little girls at Trimdon where there's definitely some signs of talent and it's just smashing to see their little faces when they get the hang of it."

The championship will take place at the Bird in Hand pub, Trimdon Village, on Saturday, September 4.

The senior title will be decided on the same day, with champion George Hood returning to defend his crown.

Festival organiser Peter Brookes said: "If we're going to see a future for the festival, we've got to get younger people interested and we were delighted when Bert agreed to approach the schools."

The three-day festival, which starts on September 3, is headlined by singer-songwriter and funnyman Vin Garbutt.

For more information and booking details visit www.trimdonfestival.co.uk

Published: 15/07/2004