CHILDREN could soon be learning African drumming and samba music thanks to a scheme aimed at supporting the development of life skills.

A £650,000 nationwide scheme will help an estimated 5,000 primary school children, especially those from disadvantaged areas, to learn about music through fun workshops led by experienced musicians.

The music-making initiative called Come and Play teaches all styles and cultures of music to children who have little access to music services.

It aims to develop self-esteem, respect, integration and teamwork. The Redcar and Cleveland Early Years Development Childcare Partnership will choose out-of-school clubs and holiday playschemes in the area to work with on the scheme.

Peter Garden, music programme manager at Kids' Clubs Network which is running the initiative, said: "Come and Play provides a wonderful opportunity for children to understand the world of music.

"It has already been extremely successful in helping children to appreciate music from all styles and cultures giving them a wider understanding of the world around them.

"We hope that music will continue within these kids' clubs and we'll be able to offer similar experiences to other children in the future."

The scheme is being funded by Youth Music and is in its second year.

For more information about Youth Music, which funds programmes and schemes which support music-making principally outside school hours contact (0207) 902 1060.