A TALENTED organist has pulled out all the stops after sitting his GCSE exam two years ahead of his classmates.

And it was music to the ears of 14-year-old Peter Stevens when it was announced he was among the top five achievers in the country.

The Bury teenager, who attends St Monica's RC High School in Prestwich, sat his music exam in June at just 13 years of age.

Now, the young musical maestro has learned that his marks put him in the top five nationwide.

The accolade is the latest in a series of impressive feats which the youngster has fulfilled.

Despite his tender years, Peter, of Beechfield Drive, is resident organist at St Marie's RC Church in Bury and is currently working towards his coveted Associated Board Royal School of Music diploma. For several years now, the youngster has played at services, weddings and funerals at St Marie's.

Recently, while with his family for a holiday at the shrine in Lourdes, Peter accompanied the choir rehearsing in an underground basilica.

Proud dad Brian said: "This all started when he was five. I got a keyboard and Peter took it from me and played it. Then, we went together for lessons for 18 months.

"My son learned faster than everyone else and he came on in leaps and bounds. He started to play the organ at St Marie's when he was just seven and also does a lot of charity work."

Peter is continuing his music studies under the guidance of two specialist organ teachers. Now, after achieving his RSM Grade Eight award, he is working towards the top Associated Board diploma.

His proud dad continued: "I would particularly like to pay tribute to Our Lady of Grace RC Primary School and St Monica's, who have given Peter tremendous support."