A TALENTED singer has been crowned West Suffolk’s Young Musician of the Year after a “nerve-wrecking” final at the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds.

William Hann, 17, of Acton, near Sudbury, was one of more than 70 musicians who took part in the heats last February before winning the prestigious music competition against the remaining finalists last week.

William, a lyrical tenor and pupil at Colchester Royal Grammar School, said: “I’m thrilled to have won but it was a very nerve-wrecking experience. On the outside I look quite calm but on the inside I’m a wreck and with singing you never quite know what is going to come out when you sing that first note.”

At the final William, a member of his school’s choir, had to sing three classical solos, including work by Schubert and Giordani, in front of the judges and an audience before being crowned champion.

The former All Saints Middle School pupil is also an accomplished pianist and only took up singing seriously when he went to Colchester Grammar.

“It’s quite different when your voice is your instrument,” he said.

“Colds and sore throats are always a concern and being allergic to cats can be difficult when your music teacher keeps cats, but thankfully I practice with her in a church hall now,” he said.

Despite his musical success he said he was still aiming to be a doctor and would be applying to study medicine next year.

“I’ll always sing and perform. That’s the beauty of music – you can take it with you throughout your life whatever profession you choose,” he added.

Pamela Bailey, the competition’s secretary, said: “The talent in this region is phenomenal and seems to get better every year. William performed wonderfully and I’m sure if he wanted he could turn professional.”