PUPILS inspired by civil rights leader Martin Luther King have been joining forces with professional musicians to change the world a note at a time.

For four days members of the Manchester Camerata chamber orchestra have been working with year four children at Devonshire Road Primary School to create their own compositions based upon the famous 'I have a dream' speech.

The 59 pupils explored themes such as discrimination and segregation, writing their own songs, including rap music, which they performed at a concert for parents.

They were singing with such intensity.

"It was very powerful and moving — particularly the song at the end when they were singing about how they could change the world," said headteacher Pam Barnes.

"It was a joy and the children so enjoyed performing it."

The Camerata has worked with younger pupils at the school before in half day workshops based upon fairy stories and the collaboration was so successful that staff decided to invite the musicians in again to work on a larger cross-curricular theme which incorporated history, music, dance and literature as well as boosting children's confidence.

And the event has been so popular than staff hope to repeat it again next year.

"We are really proud of the pupils. Some of the songs they came up with were really amazing," said Mrs Barnes.