YOUNGSTERS used their newly-formed skills to rock out Matthews Hall at the first Rock School concert.

YOUNGSTERS used their newly-formed skills to rock out Matthews Hall at the first Rock School concert.Students, aged between 10 and 16 years old from Topsham Rock School, took to the stage for the first time showcasing the songs they have worked on since the project got off the ground in September.The performance featured four bands - Pink Lady, The Hailstones, Ellis in Wonderland and Organised Chaos - playing mostly original compositions, each band having already found a sound of their own. The school was set up following a National Lottery Award and is run by volunteers, Michael Thomas, Dave Hodges, Ben Beeson and Emma Ravensfield, with junior tutors Joe Hodges, Harrison Holder and Declan Muldoon.Michael Thomas, founder of Topsham Rock School, said: "All four bands have worked really hard to get to the point that they are ready to perform in front of an audience, and all of the tutors are really proud of what the students have achieved already. "They got a huge buzz playing in front of lots of people with professional quality sound and light backing them up." Topsham Rock School is open to anyone aged between 10 and 16 with rehearsal sessions every Monday in Matthews Hall, between 4pm and 5pm, or 5pm to 6.30pm.The school is also looking for an alternative venue when Matthews Hall closes for modernisation from June to September 2009. If you would like to join, or have an alternative venue, contact the school on (01392) 200232 or visit www.topshamrockschool.org.