Craven accordionist Thom Hardaker, member of the Craven Accordion Orchestra made an appearance on ITV Calendar News on Thursday 16th July 2009 after winning first place in the international class of the Baltic Accordion Festival in Russia.
Thom is currently studying with renowned accordion master Professor Oleg Sharov at the Rimsky Korsakov Conservatoire of Music in St Petersburg. In the past few months thom has played with the Minsky ballet, Russian orchestras, and at the week-long Baltic Accordion Festival.
Harry Hinchliffe said: "Thom represented the UK in the international class and had to play in a qualifying round to achieve the final.
"Not only did he qualify for the final round, he won the overall event."
Well done Thom!