Boy, 17, named fastest texter in US

A 17-year-old boy has been named America's fastest texter.

Austin Wierschke took the title in front of hundreds of fans in New York's Times Square, winning $50,000 (€40,000) in prize money after beating off competition from 10 other participants.

The competitors were given a number of tasks to complete, including one which allowed them 45 seconds to write: "Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are, up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky."

Following his success, Austin – whose mother coached him to send text messages quickly – was flown to Los Angeles to do press interviews.