Musical Dereham youngsters aim high

Today the school hall - tomorrow Wembley!

Three youngsters from a Dereham special needs school who set up a band are certainly aiming high after getting a huge boost from grants from Breckland Council and three local organisations.

Kyle Fenn, 14, and 12-year-olds Ben Warnes and Bryn Wain, pupils at Fred Nicholson School, have started punk/grunge band Infinite Rage and it has already had a great impact on their confidence, concentration and motivation.

They have been given �1,170 from Breckland Council and also financial support from Dereham Lions and Round Table, which is allowing them to further develop their skills at a 12 week programme with JDT Music in Dereham.

JDT is providing the studio and facilities - except staff - free to them.

They get one-to-one tuition by music professionals, followed by band skills sessions where they are learning song-writing and performance skills, and how to work together as a band.

Janel Spalding and Nia Howe from JDT went to the school in the spring and enthused the boys.

Janel said: 'It's fantastic to know that these boys have been recognised for having a genuine passion in music. It is such a motivational tool for them and we know that they are going to excel. There are so many talented young musicians out there- we just need more opportunities to provide the right support and guidance. We hope many more young bands will be able to follow in their footsteps.'

Nia said: 'They are brilliant - if only all our students were as enthusiastic!'

Music co-ordinator at Fred Nicholson, Annie Henriques, said: 'They are three vulnerable young people but this is really helping their confidence and self esteem.'

Kyle - who plays guitar and sings and writes music - said: 'I picked up the guitar and have not looked back. I love it!'

Bass player Bryn said: 'I would love to play at Wembley one day!'

Drummer Ben said: 'Janel is brilliant and really helps me.'