SCHOOL students have been taking part in singing workshops as part of a programme that provides pupils with access to high quality arts and culture activities.

The workshops are part of the Royal Opera House Thurrock Trailblazer programme.

Thurrock Music Services, based at the High House Production Park in Purfleet, is a partner on the programme.

Schools involved include St Clere’s School, Stanford-le-Hope and Lansdowne Primary Academy, Tilbury.

Thurrock Music Services has been giving children more opportunities to experience singing by running the gospel music workshops.

Award winning gospel singer and songwriter Esther Farinde, who is from Thurrock, has been leading the workshops.

She said: “I am really enjoying working, on behalf of Thurrock Music Services, in conjunction with The Royal Opera House and ROH Thurrock Trailblazer project.

“It’s amazing seeing the looks on the young people’s faces especially when introduced to a new genre, but by the end they get it, and get it so well that this shows through their final presentation at the end of each session, which is the part I love the most.”