SCHOOLBOY David Armour, who only started playing the bagpipes to cure his asthma, has won six awards at major regional contest.

The 16-year-old - the youngest competitor - beat many more experienced pipers before being presented with a cup and five shields to take home to St Helen Auckland, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham.

He was highly praised by the judge, Kenneth McLeod, of Kilmarnock, for his rendering of Highland tunes at the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association's annual North-East solo competition, in Sunderland.

David is a pupil at Staindrop Comprehensive School, where he is to sit his GCSEs soon, and is a member of the Rowan Pipe Band, based in Winston, near Barnard Castle.

Barry Waldron, the band's pipe major, who taught David to play, said: "He scored an amazing success by competing in six classes and gaining an award in each of them.

"I was proud as I listened to him playing brilliantly.

"He finished ahead of men who have been piping for years.

"He is the best young piper I have ever known and will go on improving.

"It is amazing to think he took up the bagpipes less than three years ago in the hope that it would cure his asthma."

David suffered badly from the condition until his mother, Jan, a senior nurse, remembered reading years earlier that playing a wind instrument could ease the symptoms. She encouraged him to join the band and his health improved right away.

Mrs Armour, now a community health team manager, said: "I am delighted that his health is better, but I'm also proud of his success with the music."

David, who was unable to do gym work or take part in sports in the past, is now able to enjoy the same activities as all his school friends.

He played a variety of lively Highland marches and reels in the competition, held at the weekend.

Contestants came from all over the North-East as well as some from other parts of England, and Scotland.

"Life has become much better since I started on the bagpipes," said David.

"I don't have any sign of asthma now. I enjoy playing with the band and it was pleasing to do so well in such an important event."