Denbighshire school music service saved from axe

A launch concert with the county's six ensembles takes place at St Thomas Church, Rhyl, at 19:00 BST

A school music service has been taken over by a new group after it was threatened with closure due to cash cuts by Denbighshire council.

Parents raised a near 4,000-name petition calling on the council to save the service which provides music lessons in schools and runs ensembles.

The new Denbighshire Music Co-Operative will teach over 2,200 pupils each week from September, said the council.

The not-for-profit organisation has also protected the jobs of 34 teachers.

"We have offered a long term loan of the council's musical instruments to the new co-operative, which means that our children and young people can continue to use their instruments," said Councillor Eryl Williams, the council cabinet's lead member for education.