A ROSSENDALE primary school has been awarded a grant to help it get children interested in music.

St James's in Regent Street, Haslingden, was awarded £2,500 from the Foundation for Sport and the Arts.

Headteacher John Nuttall said the grant would go towards the school's bid to encourage interest in music in and out of school.

He said: "We have been trying to increase our involvement in music for some time. For the last 12 to 18 months we have started to improve the study and enjoyment for children learning music. Some will be given the opportunity to play a musical instrument for the first time, which is fabulous."

The school is actively trying to improve the way music is taught by making it more enjoyable for the children. Mr Nuttall added: "We are promoting out of school classes, such as a recently launched violin class.

"Organisations are also coming here to play for us, including Lancashire Music Services who performed a concert in school. Our aim is to give music a push and get the children interested, which is a high priority.

"In recent years we have not done enough to promote the subject and it would be a great shame if we were to lose it from the curriculum."

Music co-ordinator Elizabeth Wisdom said: "This is a real boost for the school. We believe it has benefits beyond the teaching of music.

"The children are enthusiastic and this will inspire them to learn and want to take an active part."