PRINCESS Anne is set to meet some of Gwent's most talented musicians when she visits Torfaen's very own School of Rock.

The young rockers will entertain their royal guest on her visit to Gwent in two weeks. The youngsters looking forward to their royal jam are from Pontypool-based Dragon Bands, a non-profit organisation set up to encourage Gwent youngsters to fulfil their musical ambitions.

The group was set up in 2001 by retired business teacher Angela Byrne. She had the idea after her son Nick, 25, was always looking for somewhere to practise and enjoy playing his music.

Dragon started in Mrs Byrne's front room at her home in Abersychan and now has 10 music-loving volunteers helping run the group at their base in Pontnewynydd Industrial Estate. Up to 100 people each week go to the studio to learn how to play guitar, drums, bass or whatever they have a passion for.

Head of rock, Mrs Byrne, 59, said: "I think the Princess will really enjoy the performance. The kids are very excited. They are like bottles of pop."

Rock band Useless Dreams are penning a track they hope will wow their VIP visitor. The three-piece band are made up of Gemma Lewis, 13, Dave Morgan, 12, and Dan Collins, 14.

Solo-artist Scott Howells, 14, from Abersychan, will also perform on the day.

Dragon Bands were chosen by the Lord Lieutenant of Gwent to meet the Princess as an example of a successful project encouraging young people to make the most of their talents.

The Dragon Bands Project achieved charity status in 2004. It has received grants for equipment from the Coalfields Trust and also has a studio, funded by Torfaen council, and an Internet radio station, www.flameradio.co.uk, which any local youngster can contribute to.

Mrs Byrne added: "Some of the music is a bit heavy for my liking but whatever they come up with you have to support them.."

The Princess Royal trip on Monday, April 3, will include a visit to The 200-year-old Clarence Hotel building in Pontypool which is undergoing major refurbishment.