MORE than 60 children from five schools enjoyed beating their drums to the sounds of samba in a musical workshop.

They gave up their Saturday to learn about samba, global percussion, gospel and African drumming and dance.

Brookfield Community School in Sarisbury Green played host to children from its linked junior schools - Hook-with-Warsash, Locks Heath, Park Gate, St John the Baptist and Sarisbury - for the fifth annual open day at its music centre, in a joint project between the school and Hampshire Music Service.

The eight-to-16-year-olds enjoyed a performance by Brookfield Band and a concert with performances by pupils who had taken part in the workshops throughout the afternoon.

The evening concert featured five bands from the music centre's rock academy and Brookfield's own soul band The Abatements, who were finalists in last year's national music for youth competition.

Brookfield's director of music, Shaun Riches, said it was unusual for young people of different ages to work together.

He added: "We invited children from local junior schools to spend the day with us, learning alongside our own pupils.

"This is a great experience for both groups and the music at the evening concert is always of a very high standard.

"It's an excellent opportunity for them to take part in some terrific music-making."