THOUSANDS of children have enjoyed a week of live music, storytelling and dance thanks to a regional music therapy trust.

Sound Waves South West has been bringing the joy of music to young people across the North Cornwall and Devon, bringing award-winning musicians to 12 local schools to perform live.

The music therapy trust organised for Toscana Strings, a string quintet comprising of two violins, viola, cello and double bass, to attend the schools between October 12 to October 16, presenting ‘Stories Set to Music’.

A spokesperson from Sound Waves South West explained: “The programme combines the beautiful sound of a string quintet with storytelling and a dancer who brings each story to life through movement.”

Performances included The Wind and the Sun and The Snowman, delighting children at Bude Juniors, Stratton Primary and a number of other schools throughout the area.

Feedback from the schools and from SWSW trustees has been excellent, with particular praise for the quality of the performances, the children's enthusiastic participation and the warm welcome from school staff.

The spokesperson continued: “SWSW would like to thank Toscana Strings for delivering such an engaging programme and The D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust for its generous support, which helped make these valuable musical experiences possible.

“SWSW is committed to bringing high-quality musical opportunities to children across North Cornwall and Devon, helping to inspire a lifelong enjoyment of music and the performing arts.”