MEMBERS of Thurrock Youth Orchestra have been spending time in Paris to perform in a series of school concerts.

The group has been in France along with three other schools in Paris and Disneyland Paris.

Councillor Mike Revell, Thurrock councillor responsible for children's services, accompanied the children with his wife, Thurrock mayor Diane Revell.

He said: "They gave an outstanding performance conducted by the director of Thurrock Music Services, Richard Brittain.

"It was repeated on the following day when they performed at a school near to the Eiffel Tower.

"A French professor of music, who was present at the concert, congratulated the Thurrock children on the excellent way in which they had played and expressed the hope they would return again."

Mrs Revell said: "I was amused and pleased to see the younger members of the orchestra were approached by children from the audience for their autographs.

"It was a great day for Thurrock and one which will be repeated."