PUPILS at a new Gwent school will have a more musical education thanks to a trust fund set up by a local councillor.

Verona Nelmes lost her husband three years ago after he suffered a heart attack.

Graeme Nelmes was a well-known governor of three village schools in Abergavenny and always loved music.

"He regretted never learning an instrument, and when I became vice-chairman of governors at Deri View Primary I decided to set up a trust fund in his memory," said Mrs Nelmes, 70.

The Deri View Music Support Fund will be used to fund music activities, such as subsidising lessons provided by Gwent Music and to purchase instruments.

"As link governor for music I have been impressed with the commitment of the music co-ordinator, teacher Sharon Phillips. The pupils are responding to her enthusiasm," she said.

Thanks to the trust, a large number of pupils have already begun learning instruments, with 14 playing the cello, 11 taking up percussion, four playing guitar and three playing brass. Some are even learning Celtic instruments such as the bodhran, a Celtic drum.

"He would have been so proud of the children at Deri View and delighted at the music trust," said Mrs Nelmes.

* Anyone interested in donating money or instruments to the fund can contact Deri View Primary on 01873 735010.