Video and pictures: Big bash as children return to school for drumming sessions

Youngsters took part in a taiko drumming session at Thomas Adams School in Wem.

Organised by teacher Tom McAleavy, the session taught first-time players the art of the Japanese drumming.

Mr McAleavy said: "We commit to running a summer club every year and it is always quite popular. Everyone enjoys the drumming because it is quite fun and different to anything most people have done before.

"They learn something new and it might encourage them to explore music a little more. To be able to share this with their parents is also a unique experience."

About 40 pupils and parents took part in the session, which is part of a whole schedule of events across two weeks. It includes art work, acting, singing and sporting competitions.

Cole Murray, 11, of Wem, is due to start at Thomas Adams School in September after finishing year six at St Peter's Primary School. He said: "The drumming was great fun, I have never done anything like this before and I liked the noise - I like things when they are loud."

The session was lead by Martin Fischer, who leads the Taiko In The Community drumming group, and his son Steven.

He said: "The students really seem to like the drumming. It is nice to see them turning up in the holiday and where else can you go and make noise and shout your head off without getting told off."

Taiko In The Community meets in term time at Thomas Adams School in Lowe Hill Road and St Peter's Primary School in Shrubbery Gardens. The group has been campaigning to raise £10,000 to buy new big barrow drums - Mia drums - as the current drums are 16-years-old.

After a donation from Shropshire Housing Group Community Development Fund earlier this year they have now been able to order the first drums which are being made in China and shipped from Germany. They are due to arrive in September.