NEARLY 1,000 children from all over Bolton took part in an arts initiative aimed at introducing youngsters to live opera music.

The event, which ran throughout last week, was organised by Bolton Artists in Schools Agency with the help of the European Touring Opera Company based in Manchester. Sponsorship came from the 3-D regeneration project in Deane, Daubhill and Derby.

In January, professionals in singing and dance put the children through their paces which culminated in a mini operatic show, performed in four secondary schools.

But not only secondary schools took part. Fifteen primary schools in their catchment areas also joined in.

Each school put on two performances - one for the children and one at night for their parents.

The last shows took place on Friday at Mount St Joseph RC school, Farnworth. Primary schools involved in that production were St William's, St Ethelbert's, Bishop Bridgeman and St Peter & Paul.

David Selby, director of Bolton's Artists in Schools Agency, said the project had been an overwhelming success.

"It has given the children an opportunity to work with professional artists in the areas of dance and singing.

"For a lot of them it is the first time they have ever been involved in a live show and live opera is a new experience for most of them."

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