THERE'S more to a cornet than a scoop of ice cream.

This is the message that students from the Royal Northern College of Music are bringing to pupils at 15 schools in Blackpool.

The fun programme presented by a quintet and percussionist includes marches, concertos, TV and film themes. Sponsored by Yamaha, the interactive project is devised to educate pupils about each instrument and children are eagerly taking up the chance of trying the instruments for themselves.

Head teacher at Marton County Primary School, Lynn Lancaster, said pupils learned a lot from the visit.

"It was a chance for children to see experts perform and they really enjoyed the experience. It was an excellent way of encouraging children to learn to play an instrument themselves," said Mrs Lancaster.

James Gourlay, Head of Brass at the Royal Northern College of Music added: "This tour provides the opportunity for our students to gain real work-experience in schools within the Blackpool area and the chance for schoolchildren to experience live music in many cases for the first time."

The tour precedes the 18th Youth Brass Band Entertainment Festival at the Winter Gardens on Sunday, February 9. More than 600 young musicians and 15 bands will take part in the event which has to date raised more than £100,000 for Action Research.