PUPILS from the Additional Learning Centre at Pembroke Primary School, Chepstow have made it through to the national round of a major music competition.

The 15 pupils, wowed the judges at the regional round of the Gwent Festival of Music for Youth, ran by the Gwent Music Support Service, which secured their place in the national round held in Birmingham on July 3.

The head of the centre for pupils with learning difficulties and autistic disorders, Simon Carnell, said: "We want to show music is accessible by everyone. They are excited to be taking part and for them it is such an achievement."

The pupils are all part of the choir and some members play percussion instruments. They sing original songs written for them by Side By Side Music, who work with the pupils once a week at rehearsals.

The group has also been selected to perform as part of a concert in St David's Hall, Cardiff on July 2 at 7pm.

Speaking about this Mr Carnell added: "It's a huge opportunity and the children are very excited. It's a great honour to be selected and hopefully this leads to even bigger venues."

Tickets for the show are available from St David's Hall, call the box office on 02920 878444 or email SDHboxoffice@cardiff.gov.uk