A VALLEYS youngster has won an all Wales young composer's award, despite not being able to play an instrument.

Callum Rees, 11, won the junior category in the Charles Farncombe Award for Young Composers in Wales for his eight bar melodic phrase for solo trumpet.

The Ebbw Vale youngster, who has learning difficulties, has had a turbulent few years battling a rare genetic disease, similar to Addison's disease, which effects the production of hormones in the adrenal glands.

But after a successful bone marrow transplant in 2006 he is now fit and well.

Aside from his health problems the Pen-y-Cwm Special School pupil's musical achievement is all the more remarkable because he doesn't play any instrument.

His foster mum Judith Prees, who has cared for him since he was two weeks old, said: "When he won someone asked how long has he been playing the trumpet, but he made the noise in his head and when they played it, it sounded good."

This is the first time he has ever done anything like this, he loves music and he was thrilled to win. I am very proud of him."

The award exists to promote creativity in young people and is open to anyone in full-time education in Wales and is split into junior and senior age groups.

The finalists for the awards attended an award ceremony earlier this month during the Llantilio Crossenny Festival of Music and Drama and Callum's piece will be played at future Llantilio Crosseny events.