A MUSICALLY talented North Yorkshire teenager is celebrating scooping top A-Level results against the odds.

Easingwold School pupil, Tim Barnes, 19, of Kyle Close, Tollerton, received an A* for music and an A for his music coursework project along with two Bs for Music Technology and Media Studies.

Tim’s proud mum, Ann Barnes, said he achieved his high grades despite suffering from encephalitis as a baby, which left him partially sighted and then being diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and dyspraxia when he was seven.

Tim’s results have secured him a place on a Creative Technology course at the University of Surrey starting in September in preparation for a career in the music industry.

He said: “I would like to go on and produce music for television, films and video games as well as perform for a band and go on tour. I want to break new musical boundaries and bring something fresh and innovative to the table.”

Tim’s musical talent was evident from an early age, as a young child he listened constantly to audio tapes and taught himself to play the keyboard by ear.

At school, he was involved in many musical activities including playing the piano and singing in the choir. He also formed a jazz band, The Blue Sails with his friends, performing at various venues.

Despite having hardly any music lessons in his life or performance qualifications his hard work, passion and natural talent has enabled him to overcome his disabilities and give himself the opportunity of a successful career.

Mrs Barnes, of Eccles Close in Rawcliffe, said: “His achievements have been phenomenal throughout his education. He is a real star with an outstanding talent and should go on to have a fantastic future in music.”

Asperger’s syndrome is on the autistic spectrum and causes sufferers to feel awkward in social situations, which leads to a lack of conversational skills, appearing to lack empathy and avoiding eye contact.

Dyspraxia is a poor development of co-ordination and concentration levels which may lead the sufferer to be reluctant in taking part in sporting activities and perform detailed movements, such as handwriting and tying shoelaces.