Nick Byrne 

newsdesk@croydonadvertiser.co.uk

AN INSPIRATIONAL teen has been filling Croydon with the sound of music by busking in the street to fund his place at an exclusive music school.

Dylan Cobb, 17, hopes to become a professional musician like his hero, guitarist Mark Knopfler from Dire Straits.

But his dream of honing his skills at Kilburn's Institute of Contemporary Music in north-west London – where he was instantly accepted after an audition – comes at a big price.

To raise the cash, the determined youngster from Birchanger Road, South Norwood, has been busking outside the Whitgift Centre in his spare time.

And he has already raised £1,000 of his £5,000 target thanks to the generosity of Croydon's shoppers.

Dylan said: "I'm really enjoying playing to the crowds. I don't get nervous about playing in front of so many people, as it's something I love doing. I practise for several hours every day, maybe even all day when I'm really in the mood.

"I've only been playing the guitar for two-and-a-half years but I've listened to Knopfler, Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton for as long as I can remember.

"I really want to thank the people of Croydon, who have been nothing but friendly and are helping me to step closer to achieving all I want from life."

But playing the guitar like a pro is not where Dylan's talents end.

The gifted busker is also a gifted academic.

At just eight years old, Dylan achieved two GCSEs in maths and IT.

Having suffered badly at the hands of bullies as a child, he was home-tutored by his mum Anita until she took Dylan as far as she could, at which point they turned to ITV philanthropic show Fortune: Million Pound Giveaway.

After explaining his story, Dylan impressed the board, including ex-Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan, who handed over £38,000 for him to attend Campbell Harris – a private college in Kensington.

The money was not quite enough to see Dylan all the way through, yet he still managed to achieve four A levels and another three GCSEs.

Anita, 54, said: "We had to sell our house and rely on a lot of help from charities to see Dylan through.

"But he still did exceptionally well despite everything that was going on around him.

"I'm really proud of Dylan. He's overcome so much and is out in the world fending for himself now."

Dylan can be found busking from Thursday to Sunday from noon to 4pm if you would like to make a donation.