THE cream of the borough's young musical talent had the opportunity to play in front of a roving audience.

The chance came when Bury Music Service staged its annual open day at its base at Mersey County Primary school in Whitefield.

Parents were able to stroll around the Music Service's headquarters and to watch the youngsters perform in their individual ensembles and orchestras.

Bury Mayor, Councillor Wilf Davison, was due to be present, but was forced to cancel. He has now been invited to visit in May.

Around 200 school pupils from all over the borough are attached to Bury Music Service. The training includes the opportunity to undertake concert work and to perform in front of audiences.

The Service boasts a choir, three concert bands, a chamber orchestra, string orchestra, junior strings, a junior brass group, saxophone group and brass group.

The open day coincided with normal rehearsals and visitors were able to sit in as the young musical maestros performed.