THE new Redbridge School in Southampton threw its doors open to the community yesterday as it began a packed week of taster sessions.

Eight novice steel drummers showed up for the first trial lesson with music teacher Debbie Adamson.

As they started the free lesson, clapping to piano music and knocking out their first tentative notes on the oversized drums, a member of the school's community team explained the motive behind the launch.

"We have always had a big community focus in the area," said Katherine Wiseman. "But a lot of local people are often quite reluctant to come in because it's still a school and for some people that has bad connotations. So by doing this we're letting people know it's not like being at school - it's informal, it's fun and there's something for everyone to try."

Sessions running throughout the week include basketball, Tai Chi, Spanish and French bingo sessions.

The week concludes in a big fair in the school grounds on Saturday.