Children across Cambridgeshire are top of the class when it comes to artistic achievements, thanks to the ‘trailblazing’ work of Cambridgeshire Music.

Ely Standard: Cambridgeshire Arts in Ely Cathedral. Ely St Mary's Year 3 strings project.Cambridgeshire Arts in Ely Cathedral. Ely St Mary's Year 3 strings project. (Image: Archant)

The organisation brings music education to thousands of young people and 200 schools in the county, supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

Ely Standard: Cambridgeshire Arts in Ely Cathedral. Ely St Mary's Year 3 strings project.Cambridgeshire Arts in Ely Cathedral. Ely St Mary's Year 3 strings project. (Image: Archant)

Organisers said: “There were children at the beginning of the year who couldn’t sit still for five minutes. By the end, they performed in Ely Cathedral. It was a massive achievement.”

This week, it was announced they are one of the top five performers in primary schools across Norfolk, Suffolk, Peterborough and Cambridgeshire for delivering arts award at Discover level.

Stephanie Peachey, senior manager for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough at Festival Bridge, said: “I have been hugely impressed by the way Cambridgeshire Music has worked so hard to use Arts Award to help build confident artists and musicians of all different standards.

“They have brought music making and song writing to so many young people who might not otherwise take part in the arts – helping to develop skills in them that are fit for the 21st century workplace.

“Cambridgeshire Music’s work is trailblazing and they are a great inspiration to other arts groups across the East of England.”

Managed by Trinity College London in association with Arts Council England, Arts Award is delivered by more than 3,241 organisations nationwide.

Matthew Gunn, head of Cambridgeshire music, said: “Arts Award gives young people the opportunity to have highly valuable creative activities recognised formally, even if these activities are extra-curricular.

“The Award recognises the contribution of the arts and creative subjects to a young person’s broader personal growth, at a time when the arts are increasingly being squeezed out of the school day. They also give the chance for children who are less academic to shine.”

Now in its 11th year, Arts Award covers all art forms from music to fashion, and digital art to pottery and poetry.

Young people also gain recognition for learning about sound engineering, marketing, web design or leadership and stage management skills for putting on an event.

“Arts Award is encouraging a new generation of children and young people to consider a career in the creative industries, which is the fastest growing sector of the UK economy – employing nearly 3 million people, or one in 11 jobs,” Matthew said.