MORE than 300 young musicians took part in the third annual Samba Extravaganza at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium.

Pupils from 12 primary and two comprehensive schools from the Eston area brought the sounds of Brazil to the stadium under the direction of international percussionist Simone Rebello on Wednesday.

Eston Education Action Zone music co-ordinator Kel Dennis, who has organised weekly classes at the school along with Simone's masterclasses, said: "It was fantastic to unite all the schools in the area.

"Samba is very popular and this event has grown from 140 in 2002 to this year's 340."

Published: 25/06/20044