MORE than 300 performers took to the floor in Winchester Cathedral last night to stage a

massive production of an opera written by one of Britain's best known composers.

Benjamin Britten's dramatic opera Noye's Fludde filled the ancient building to the rafters as the musicians, many of them local youngsters, put into practice several weeks of demanding rehearsals.

Britten is seen by many as one of England's greatest and most prolific composers, and Noye's Fludde, billed as a community opera, is based on a theme of children and animals building a new life after a flood washes away the corruption in society.

More than 200 children from local schools took on the animal roles, with their teachers helping them make the costumes for the show as well as holding weekly rehearsals to ensure all the music was learnt.

Other musicians involved in the production included those from the Hampshire County Youth Orchestra, Winchester Area Schools Orchestras, Hampshire County Choirs and the Winchester Recorder Ensemble.

Hampshire County Council executive member for education Councillor Don Allen said: "Britten was one of this county's leading composers and it is a testament to the dedication and talent of young musicians and teachers in Hampshire that this great performance is able to be brought to life in Winchester.

"It is particularly pleasing to see the involvement of schools in the Winchester area, and I'm sure that their involvement in Noye's Fludde will enrich their involvement in music."

Hundreds of parents and music lovers attended the event last night, and organisers say the concert was a resounding success.

The schools involved in Noye's Fludde were Weeke Primary School, St Bede CE Primary School, Micheldever CE Primary School, Western CE Primary School, The Westgate School, King's School and Henry Beaufort School.