IT was heartwarming to see last Friday's double-page pictorial spread of the primary school children of Bury performing The Price of Coal .

Organised by the Wigan-based Vivace Charitable Trust, the performance gave Burys junior-age children a chance to work together to create an admirable evenings entertainment, and indeed they sang their hearts out.

Given that the children had spent only one afternoon rehearsing as a whole group, the event was a superb musical achievement. They deserved their standing ovation.

Any visitor to this lively event would have to agree that the many weeks of hard work and preparation in schools paid off. Praise really must go to the dedicated, professional and hard-working teachers who, despite all the challenges that Government directs their way, still donate their time so freely to encourage a love of music in these youngsters. It is a key part in developing the whole child, providing a much-welcome break from the demands of SATs tests and the core curriculum.

Well done to the 16 primary schools involved and to the St Gabriel's High School soloists.

DAWN ROBINSON-WALSH,

parent governor,

Greenmount C.P School.