THE Prime Minister has championed a record-breaking Southend charity who support people with with learning difficulties.

Theresa May congratulated the Music Man Project, run by the Southend Mencap charity, after it broke the Guinness World Record for the largest ever ensemble of musicians playing the triangle.

The group performed Concerto for Trumpet, Trombone and 1,521 Triangles by Music Man Project founder, David Stanley, live at the London Palladium.

After Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West, congratulated the group for the record-breaking performance, Theresa May also showed her support by tweeting about the project.

She said: “Sir David is right to be a proud supporter of the excellent Music Man Project, based in his constituency.

“A wonderful music education service specifically for children and adults with learning difficulties.”

Sir David expressed his pride for the group after breaking the record in October.

He said: “I am proud to have witnessed the award-winning Music Man Project’s world record triumph at the London Palladium.”

The record was made by 200 musicians from Essex, Suffolk, Sussex and London - smashing the previous record of 876 triangles.

Speaking about the achievement, Mr Stanley said: “They are all world record holders!

“It was such a thrilling night at the Palladium, and to break the world record was a fantastic achievement.”

The record attempt was audited by Leigh chartered accountants Francis James & Partners LLP, who provided 50 stewards for the official count.

The performance was conducted by Music Man regional directors, Jenny Hitchcock and Natalie Bradford, featuring Jemma Andrews on trumpet and Leisa Jones on trombone.

The piece was performed before a packed out Palladium with Sophie, Countess of Wessex, in attendance.

At the Palladium, Mr Stanley also announced project’s debut concert at the Royal Albert Hall in April 2019.

The concert has been a dream for Mr Stanley and his team since 2001 when he promised his students they would one day perform at there.

Mr Stanley added: “At the current rate of expansion, the Royal Albert Hall concert will feature our Music Man Project students from across the country.

“It will be the world’s greatest celebration of accessible music-making ever.” In anticipation of the next performance, Sir David said: “I am thrilled that they will now be performing at the Royal Albert Hall in April 2019.”

The Music Man Project provides educational services to children and adults with learning difficulties.