YOUNG people of all ages raised the roof as they showed off their musical talents to a full house at Weymouth Pavilion.

More than 260 youngsters from the Dorchester area performed in front of family and friends at the DASP Music summer concert.

DASP Music, a charity which works to enhance the musical education of young people in Dorchester and beyond, hosts the concert each year to showcase the work of its many pupils.

The result was an eclectic mix from pupils aged six to 18 from the DASP Youth Orchestra, The Thomas Hardye School Orchestra, Treblemakers Boys Choir, DASP Jazz Band, the Harmony Pop Vocal Group and many more.

DASP Music coordinator, Hanna Trevorrow said: “The concert is a chance for the young people who attend our weekly DASP Music ensembles to showcase the work they have been doing over the past year.

"The concert included some numbers which were put together especially for the show including Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries and Mussorgsky’s A Night on the Bare Mountain.

“These were played by a large orchestra, put together on the day, which included beginner players right through to those of grade eight standard and above – it sounded really wonderful.

“For our finale, we had a choir of more than a hundred children of mixed ages singing Sing by Gary Barlow accompanied by the Thomas Hardye Orchestra.”

DASP Music runs 14 weekly music ensembles for children of all abilities which are all funded by money raised by the charity.

Most of the ensembles occur at free weekly Music Nights held at The Thomas Hardye School. to which new members are always welcome to attend.

As well as ensembles, the charity hosts a range of projects, performances and workshops for budding musicians throughout the year.

Mrs Trevorrow added: “One of the strengths of DASP Music is the opportunity for young people of all ages to join forces to make music together.

"The standard of playing from these youngsters is outstanding. - it really is an inspiring environment for all involved.”

DASP is always on the lookout for businesses or individuals to contribute to its work.

Those who can help, or are interested in supporting the provision of music education for young children in Dorchester and the wider area, should contact the charity directly at www.daspmusic.co.uk.