Two days after winning a folk music "Oscar" fiddler Tom McConville embarked on a mini-tour of the South.

More people went along to these four concerts at little football clubs than Tom might normally expect.

They were obviously attracted by news of his "Best Musician" prize in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

But while concert organisers were delighted at the extra interest, for Tom it was business as usual.

To this Steeton musician, every concert is an experience to cherish whether 20, 200 or 2000 people go along.

After more than 40 years in the business the "Newcastle Fiddler" still loves the buzz.

He said: "It's such a high to perform a gig. I feel so privileged that people will come to see me.

"The people who come to see folk musicians are great. It's thrilling, it's what keeps us going."

Tom has the many years been regarded by fellow artists as one of the country's leading fiddle players.

He taught Seth Lakeman, a young Folk Award winner who is now one of the genre's biggest young stars.

Seth himself regards Tom as a master, and presented his mentor with the BBC award last week.

Nominees and winners are chosen by around 150 people involved in the folk world, such as club and concert organisers.

Tom believes he was chosen as Best Musician as a combination of lifetime achievement and his body of work.

He said: "The people I was on the list with have filled the Albert Hall. They are high-profile -- it was increasingly shocking to be among them!"

Tom hoped his award would not only attract more people to his concerts, but expand interest in folk music generally.

He said: "Personally it's so thrilling to get recognised for my work. I feel very privileged to be made a fuss of."

Tom took up the violin as a child growing up in Newcastle where his father ran a pub popular with the Irish community.

The boy graduated from singing and playing in the pub to supporting visiting Irish legends and learning from fiddle maestros.

In 1972 he turned full-time professional, moving to Leeds after hearing how good the music scene was in the city.

Tom has lived in Yorkshire ever since, moving to Steeton 10 years ago so his wife Jan could be nearer her work.

He said: "I'll always be a Geordie but I do love Yorkshire and wouldn't live anywhere else."

Tom has remained busy ever since, playing festivals, small theatres, and venues organised by family and friends.

He pays tribute to the thousands of volunteers like these who organise venues, promote gigs and provide accommodation for musicians.

He said: "The folk world is made up of a lot of people who work without pay. It's very much a home industry."

Tom himself is determined to help fellow folk musicians, developing a network so they can offer each other advice and emotional support.

He has also become a specialist in the Alexander Technique of relaxation, helping other musicians avoid the frozen shoulder he suffered due to fiddle playing.

Tom also loves passing on his skills to young musicians -- but says he will never stop learning himself.

"I don't think the learning stops. I practise three or four hours a day. It just keeps improving.

"My tutor was 76 when he died and he was still doing a few hours a day practice."