A YOUNG musician from one of the former Soviet republics has helped the 2005 Horsforth Competitive Festival of Music, Drama and Dance come to a rousing close.

Nine-year-old Raim Amanbaev was flown over especially from Kazakhstan by his aunt, Camilla, who studies at Leeds College of Music, to demonstrate his mastery of the violin last weekend.

He proceeded to beat older children in two string classes at St Margaret's Hall, and came third to two older musicians of outstanding ability.

Raim speaks very little English but did not find that a barrier to excelling in the competition, where he teamed up with 90-year-old accompanist Norman Hudson to good effect.

The festival's Music Secretary, Lynda Fradkin, said: "They made a good team! We were pleased and privileged to have a candidate from so far away.

"We thought the whole festival went really well and in the two days we had for music at the weekend we heard a lot of very talented young adults and children.

"It was a showcase for them, they really showed what they could do. The judge's comments were so constructive for the children.

"The festival is open to everyone, from the very young to adult, but we didn't get many adults this year. We want to encourage more adults, choirs and bands for next year."

Other entrants who shone last weekend included violinist David Tan, who will represent Yorkshire in a special festival, and pianoforte soloist Alice Maslin, who won the Mrs Louie Illingworth Award for outstanding ability, The Richard Thompson Trophy and £150.

The Bartlett and Co Insurance Brokers of Horsforth award gives £600 each year to be divided between the music, dance and drama sections to pay for lessons. This year's music winner was Michael Webb.

Pupils from the independent Froebelian School, meanwhile got their summer term off to a resounding start with the school choir (comprised of children from Years 4, 5 and 6) and Recorder Consort (Year 5 and 6 pupils) both winning their classes.

Under the direction of Kathryn Speirs, the children came away with the Mrs Norman Watson Cup (choir) and The Beethoven Shield (recorders) - which the school has now won three years in a row and eight times in total.

Year 3 pupil Rebecca Hutson also collected a Bronze Medal and the Mary Binns Memorial Trophy after being awarded first place in the Pianoforte Solo Beginners class.

l The festival, which has been running for 62 years, is in need of helpers to join its committee. Dance, drama and music weeks begin on Easter Monday every year and a rota of help is needed during the period.

Tasks include spending an hour or two helping with refreshments, manning the door, writing certificates or helping the adjudicator. Anyone interested should contact General Secretary Sue Worsnop on 0113 258 7083.