GWENT school children got together to celebrate the launch of a book and CD they helped create.

Newport's Pentrepoeth School was the venue for the event showcasing work inspired by the Let Paul Robeson Sing exhibition which was shown at Tredegar House, Newport, during the summer.

The afternoon was hosted by exhibition organiser and Welsh opera diva Beverley Humphries who introduced performances by children from Pentrepoeth, Hartridge, Millbrook, Eveswell, Raglan and Pillgwenlly schools.

The children performed poems, songs and dances inspired by the American civil rights campaigner, singer and actor.

Beverley Humphries said: "The exhibition was a fantastic success and this wonderful day has shown what a powerful legacy Robeson has left us.

"He had very strong links with South Wales and the reaction of these children shows he still has an important message for us all."

The book and CD both called Boo to Racism! includes photographs of the children visiting the exhibition and examples of work about the show, including articles from the South Wales Argus.

Newport West MP Paul Flynn was in the audience and spoke to the children about their work and the influence of Robeson on his own politics.

Mr Flynn said: "Paul Robeson has always been a hero of mine. He had the greatest singing voice of his age and he could have chosen a comfortable life for himself. Instead he used his talent and energy to help others try and create a fairer world.

"The wonderful performances today have shown he can still be a force for good and I hope everyone tries to live their lives more like this great man."

Pentrepoeth teacher Tina Richards helped to organise the event and said: "We took 200 children to the exhibition and they had a great experience. They took part in art and music workshops and we got together with other schools. It's been really inspirational for all the children involved, and seeing the book is very exciting."

Thomas Gittoes, ten, of Pentrepoeth, took part in a dance performance, and said: "Paul Robeson was a really great man and we learnt that it doesn't matter what colour you are, everyone is equal."

* In the picture: Pentrepoeth pupils Thomas Gittoes and Jessie Cleary with a copy of the Paul Robeson book.