A 10-year-old boy from Llanidloes could be the youngest person in the UK to pass the top drumming exam with near perfect results.

Jay Prior, who plays the drums for several bands, sailed through the Grade 8 exam and passed with a 90 per cent distinction.

His dad Mike said he was "absolutely buzzing" to pass the highest possible grade.

"The examiners said his technique was unbelievable. He sounded great."

Mike added: "It's an outstanding achievement at such a young age. You can't get higher than that, it's unreal."

Jay first picked up the drumsticks when he was six years old after playing on the computer game Guitar Hero.

After asking for some lessons, Jay passed his Grade 1 exam shortly afterwards.

"His teacher Steve Leese said he was a natural," Mike said. "He just takes it in his stride."

Jay now has a fan base of more than 8,500 Facebook followers on his page, and he is the only under 18 to be endorsed by UK and Europe’s largest drumstick brand Collision Drumsticks.

He played the drums at a festival at just eight years old, and currently plays for bands The Beast With A Million Eyes, fronted by front man Dylan Penri and Fight Fire With Prior, a Metallica cover Band fronted by Adam Vaughan of Fallen Temples.

Dad Mike said: "He was absolutely loves playing live. Playing in front of crowds doesn’t faze him. He just does his thing and loves it.

He added: “What he's done is amazing. It’s all pretty normal to us but when you step back and watch him play you just go ‘wow’. Even headliner drummers think it's an amazing achievement. It's nice to have people come up to you and tell you how good he is.

"I couldn’t be prouder of him."

Jay has recently recorded the score for The Beast With A Million Eyes' next album, and he's waiting to hear back from the exam board about whether he is allowed to study for a diploma in drumming.