Guernsey 'leads way' on school music

Guernsey is leading the way when it comes to getting children involved in music, the head of the island's Schools Music Service has said.

A new scheme on the mainland hopes to end a "musical divide" with children in disadvantaged areas missing out

Mervyn Grand said many of its proposals were already common practice in the island.

He said: "I think in several respects England could learn from what actually goes on in Guernsey."

Mr Grand added: "For instance the business of live musicians doing concerts and working with youngsters - we have the Channel Islands Music Council which brings over professional musicians to do concerts at public venues, but also do concerts for schools.

"We often use them to work with our youngsters and it's something we're very proud of."

He said a grant scheme which can pay for the hire of instruments meant wealth was no divide for music in the island.