NOT many ten-year-olds can play the guitar. But to pick one up and effortlessly play Eric Clapton"s Leyla is something of an achievement.

It"s even more incredible when you hear Luke Doherty also suffers from a rare combination of two skin conditions.

Pestular psoriasis and acute eczema, as well as Perthes" disease, a fragmentation of the hip, have seen him spend two years with his legs in plaster.

Luke"s story was first featured in the Argus last year and now the little rocker, of Melfort Road, Gaer, Newport, has just passed his grade six electric guitar exam - the equivalent of an A-level.

Mum Debbie, who works part-time as a sterile technician in the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, and started playing the bass guitar to accompany her son, said: "He didn"t think he"d pass because of all the setbacks he"s had but he did it.

"I told him if he passed I"d buy him a Fender guitar like Eric Clapton"s famous Blackie so I"d better go shopping now."

Luke said he was determined to achieve his grade six before his 11th birthday in two weeks time.

His skin is frequently bandaged to protect it from the environment.

At first, he found it hard to play but, using special moisturisers, his fingers are now able to cope with the pressure of the strings.

The year eight pupil at Gaer Junior School, Newport, said: "I"m so pleased I passed the exam. I"m going to give myself three weeks off now just to play my favourite songs and then I"ll start practising for my grade eight. I want to do it before I"m 12."

But, even though Luke loves music, he"s not sure he wants to be a musician when he is older.

He said: "I"m not sure if I"d rather be a Formula One racing driver instead. I haven"t decided yet."