CHILDREN in care have been banging the drum to help relieve the pressures of their daily lives.

More than 60 youngsters - either in care or carers themselves - attended a day-long workshop in Ripon designed to build their self-esteem through music.

Part of the county's innovative 6K: Making Noise initiative, the day targeted those aged 13 to 19.

They spent their time playing the drums, as DJs, rapping, singing and performing. They were also treated to performances by bands and singers signed to the county council's record label, 6K.

Project co-ordinator Matt Burrows said: "People involved in care can become isolated, excluded and bullied. Music is a brilliant vehicle to help their personal development and get back on track with their lives."

Social services development officer Jerry Barnes said: "The day was a fantastic success. Research shows that these young people often lack self-esteem and that music is a great way of building it up.

"It is also a way of getting them to open up about the things that concern them."

Graham Pentelow, of Hambleton and Richmondshire Young Carers Association, said: "I think the fact that so many were so willing to get up on the stage and perform was a real testimony to the success of the day and the project as a whole."

The session was one of a series of workshops planned for the year as part of the £38,000 Making Noise project, run by the social services and education services and the Young Carers Support Network.