TALENTED schoolchildren showed off their musical skills as part of a special project.

An audience packed full of proud parents at Sweyne Park School, in Rayleigh, listened carefully as a group of 80 youngsters from across Rochford entertained them with piano, keyboard, guitars, drums, violins and trumpets.

The show marked the end OF an intensive, but exciting, two-day programme, where professional musicians and conductors from the Philharmonia Orchestra spent the weekend rehearsing a new piece of music with the group of eight to 15 year-olds.

The music project is a joint scheme between Rochford Council, Orchestra’s Live, Essex County Council, Arts Council England and Rochford Extended Services.