THIS group of young musicians is one of 34 groups that will be appearing at the Music For Youth Festival in Southampton today and tomorrow.

The Ballard School Bells from Ballard School in New Milton hope that their handbell ringing will impress two assessors at the festival, who will pick the best groups to take part in a national festival in Birmingham later this year.

The two-day festival takes place at Taunton's College in Southampton from 10am until 5pm and will showcase the talent of more than 850 instrumentalists, singers and dancers from the region.

The Daily Echo has produced a special supplement that includes pictures of the groups and organisations taking part in the music festival and will be on sale at the event tonight.