MORE than 500 talented youngsters were seen as well as heard during the best-ever Children of Bury Sing event.

Organisers say the weekend's two concerts were the finest since the borough began to host the popular annual musical extravaganza in 1998.

On Saturday and Sunday, (March 24-25)13 primary schools drawn from around the borough took part in the Children of Bury Sing event at the town's Castle Leisure Centre.

They each performed their own musical selection as well as joining the massed choirs, soloists and Bury Youth Orchestra in a special presentation of All the King's Men.

During the two evenings, a total of 1,300 people packed the leisure centre to witness the musical spectacle performed by the 550 youngsters.

Mr George Kearton of The Vivace Charitable Trust, which organised the concerts, said: "It was a fabulous event.

"I'd say these were the best concerts the children of Bury have performed so far, simply because of the buzz. "There was an absolute feeling of satisfaction and excitement among the children which spread to the audience as well."

He added: 'I think the youngsters got a feeling of intense achievement out of their performances and a self belief in what they can do in terms of singing in front of an audience.

"To hear children aged from seven to nine singing opera just takes the breath away. And the concerts also allowed parents to realise what their children are capable of."

Commenting on the value to the youngsters of such events, he continued: "It gives them the ability to work as part of a team. Music should be every child's right."

During the past four years, Vivace has allowed around 2,300 children throughout Greater Manchester and elsewhere to display their musical talents.

At the Bury weekend concerts, schools performed a wide range of musical pieces including favourites from the theatre and the big screen.

The massed choirs, soloists and members of Bury Youth Orchestra, under the baton of Mr Paul Jarvis, combined in the performance of All the King's Men, a period piece with music by Sir Richard Rodney Bennett.

Guests at the weekend concerts were Bury's mayor and mayoress, Councillor Bill Johnson and Mrs Joyce Johnson and Bury Council's chief education officer Mr Harold Williams.

Mr Kearton went on to praise the backing the Vivace Charitable Trust has received from the local education authority.

"I can't thank Mr Williams and his staff enough for all the wonderful support they have given us. It's been absolutely superb."