NIGEL KENNEDY, eat your heart out! Neston violinist Bill Thompson was acclaimed by jazz legend Kenny Ball when he was named North West Regional Young Jazz Musician of the Year.

Bill was one of six talented young musicians taking part from the area in a competition compered by Jools Holland and recently screened by Granada.

Last weekend Bill went on to represent the North West in the National Final but was pipped at the post by a pianist representing the London region.

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