HUNDREDS of children came together to show off the musical and dancing skills they have learnt throughout the year during this year's Big Beat Festival.

Held at Malpas Court Primary School in Newport, the three-day festival was the end product after two months of tuition from Gwent Music Support Service.

Children from 14 Torfaen County Borough Council primary schools performed on giant drums, sand and used body percussion and drums on the final day of the festival. The guest of honour, mayor of Torfaen Councillor Colette Thomas, said: "The Big Beat Festival is a wonderful spectacle.

"It has been great to see so many Torfaen youngsters thoroughly enjoy themselves through music.

"I have been entertained and impressed with the range of skills that they have shown. "Hundreds of Torfaen children have taken part and I would like to congratulate them on a fantastic display."

Organised by Torfaen County Borough Council, the children were coached by Gwent Music Support Service.

GMSS provides instrument tuition throughout the year as well as planning support for big projects.

Peter James, of GMSS, said: "We work with every school in the four authorities in Gwent throughout the year teaching children to play instruments and organising orchestras. "For the past two months Chrys Blanchard and Ben Baddo have been concentrating on teaching rhythm and drums to the children ahead of Big Beat."