Funding gives 8,000 London pupils better access to music

More than 8,000 pupils across 17 schools in London are to get access to new musical instruments through funding from an education charity.

Restore the Music UK said the £238,000 would enable the primary and secondary state schools involved to expand their music offerings.

Polly Moore, the charity's chief executive, said the need for school music funding had increased.

Harris Academy in Crystal Palace, south London, is among those to benefit. "We invest in all young people, reaching them through our grants to school music departments," she said.

"Music is not just a nice-to-have, it's a must-have."