PUPILS at North Axholme Secondary School sampled African music and culture as part of innovative and interactive workshop.

Professional percussionist Gary Hammond, a former member of chart-topping group The Beautiful South, and African dancer Mohamed Camara hosted the special event.

The two-day workshop gave students the chance to play specialist instruments and express themselves through African dance.

Mr Hammond said the unique event helps youngsters embrace world cultures.

He said: "The workshop informs youngsters about different cultures from across the world and helps them understand other religions and the way of life of people from other countries.

"North Axholme is a very rural school and this has helped the pupils open their eyes and broaden their horizons.

"Mohammed is from Guinea in west Africa, so he is able teach pupils a diverse range of things, including the dangers of malaria for people in Africa and their everyday life."

Pupil Sophia Green, 12, said the workshop was enthralling.

"I really enjoyed the workshop and it was really interesting to find out how other people live in different countries and cultures.

"We go to try different instruments – some of which I had never seen before.

"It was quite hard keeping the rhythm with the drums, but it was great fun."

Ellie Major, 12, said the event was extremely different to her usual music lessons.

"The workshop was really different – it was fantastic.

"I really enjoy music and it was great fun to try something unusual.

"It was interesting to hear what life is like for people in other parts of the world.

"We often see things on the news and in documentaries, but it was great to hear someone's personal account of what life is really like."

Jade Smith, 12, said she enjoyed the African dancing.

"The dancing was quite complicated, so it took us a while to get the hang of it.

"It was really good fun though and it was different to anything I had ever done before."

Mr Camara said: "The pupils were absolutely brilliant and they were really eager to learn.

"I am really happy working within schools and educating youngsters about different parts of the world."

North Axholme Secondary School headteacher Joe Sellars said the workshop had made a lasting impression on pupils.

"The two workshops were absolutely outstanding," he said.

"They gave the pupils a real insight into different cultures and this is all part of our community cohesion work.

"The students loved it and it has really opened their eyes to international issues."