LUCKY Bill Gunn has been rubbing shoulders with the stars and taking part in an historical event.

Bill, 20, from Sandy Lane, Whitegate, was one of only two musicians from the North West to perform at last week's concert for Nelson Mandela.

A feat made all the more impressive as Bill suffers from cerebral palsy.

The free concert, hosted by the former president of South Africa, was held in Trafalgar Square as part of the celebrations which remembered the end of apartheid and seven years of rule by the African National Congress.

Bill, who has only been playing the trombone for three years, performed with a band from South Africa, providing the backing music for American soul star Billy Ocean.

After the concert Bill was taken to South Africa House for an after show party where he met Nelson Mandela and many of the other stars from the event, including Radio One's Sarah Cox

Bill said: "Its still bewildering, I'm still thinking about it.

"It was amazing playing with Billy Ocean and meeting Nelson Mandela, it is the highlight of my life so far."

He was asked to take part in the concert after taking part in a five day course run by the Prince's Trust.