YOUNG drummer Karl Dransfield is in good company.

His achievement is reminiscent of the triumph of a member of one of the biggest bands in rock history.

The venue was somewhat smaller than the packed arenas filled by the electric sound of Sheffield heavy metal band Def Leppard.

Yet, like its star drummer Rick Allen, young Karl Dransfield still beat the odds to a musical victory - despite having the use of only one hand!

Twelve-year-old Karl, from Golcar, fell and broke his wrist just four weeks before he was due to compete in the Mrs Sunderland Musical Festival. He feared that his dream of competing in the event was shattered.

But the determined youngster, who has been playing for six years, refused to let the injury ruin his chances.

He bravely battled on, using just his right hand - and came second in the 13 years and under drum kit solo category.

Proud mum Denise, 41, said: "Karl's wrist had completely snapped and bent like a spoon.

"He had two pins driven through his arm to hold the bone in place and lost movement in it completely.

"He had already been forced to miss a judo competition and a water polo match. But he was adamant he would not miss the drum contest."

Encouraged by his music teacher, and his mum, who teaches at Kirklees Music School, Karl decided to improvise and played on with his good arm.

The young drummer's performance was described by judge Chris Bradley as "fantastically well co-ordinated, with fine balance and control".

Karl also plays the cornet, bass guitar, piano and electric guitar.

Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen lost his left arm in 1984, in a road accident near his home town of Sheffield. But he decided to play on with the band and learn his craft one-handed.

And Karl reckoned it was quite easy when he had to do the same.

He said: "I had already practised one-armed just for fun before I had my accident - which is a good job really, because it meant I was more prepared.

"I was determined to play in the festival and I am proud of what I have achieved."

Karl will continue to rock on in the coming months and will take part in the National Music Festival at his school, Colne Valley High, next month.

* Rick Allen was born in Sheffield on November 1, 1963.

* He joined Def Leppard in November 1978.

* On New Year's Eve, 1984, Rick lost his left arm when his car overturned near Ladybower just outside Sheffield.

* While in hospital in Sheffield he was given hope of continuing playing with the creation and development of a specially- adapted electronic drum kit.

* He learned to drum one-armed using a series of special control pads allowing him to play with his feet and right arm.