A GWENT guitarist is named as "the best up and coming player I have heard this century" by the former manager of top rock act, Guns n’ Roses.

Abercarn's Chris Buck, 19, was also classed by Alan Niven as “extremely smart for his years” and “very musically literate” in this month’s edition of Classic Rock magazine.

Mr Buck, a first year student at University of Wales, Newport, studying creative sound and music, is a member of local band Tom Hollister Trio.

He was first spotted by Mr Niven when he loaded up a YouTube clip of himself playing the guitar three years ago.

Since then the two have kept in contact through e-mail with Mr Niven offering constant advice and encouragement to Mr Buck, who has played the guitar for six years.

Mr Niven’s comments came in an article in the April issue of the magazine was titled “All Things Considered...”

Mr Buck said: “It was pretty amazing to be recognised in this way and has given me a real boost.”

Tom Hollister Trio who were formed at the end of last year also launched their first EP in Cheltenham in February with guests including music superstar Steve Winwood and award-winning sound engineer James Towler.

The EP is a three track disc which the band, also made up of lead singer Tom Hollister, 23, and drummer Adam Roberts, 26, have produced themselves and are selling through their website.

Mr Buck, who was also named Caerphilly Council Young Contemporary Musician of the year in 2005, now hopes to complete his university course, release more singles with the band and gain a professional record deal.

For more details about Mr Buck and the band visit www.tomhollistertrio.com