HIGH school pupils gave traditional music lessons the Elbow when they were treated to a masterclass by world renowned drummer Richard Jupp.

Richard, a founder member of Mercury Music Prize winning band Elbow, spent 90 minutes at Blackburn Central High School teaching a group of girls from the school about drumming and percussion.

He even brought along Elbow’s live performance drum kit on which he will perform with the band on their 2014 tour which takes in huge arena venues in Manchester and Liverpool.

Each and every one of the girls received tuition and was able to have full use of the kit.

The visit was part of a Blackburn Youth Music initiative supported by Twin Valley Homes and Child Action Northwest in which 64 children from the borough are given the chance to write perform and record their own song.

Richard said: “It’s been a pleasure to see the enthusiasm and musical talent of the girls here.

“It’s good to show them some basic techniques but the secret is to let them have a go on the kit.

“I might need a few new skins on the drums after we’ve finished but that doesn’t bother me at all.

“I wish them every success in recording their song.”

The students were thrilled with their new teacher.

Casey Corkin, 12, said: “I enjoy the way he teaches us because it’s really fun and something I’ve never really done. It’s a hobby for now but something I’d really like to do when I’m older.”

Shannon Chapman, 13, said: “W’ve been designing T-shirts and making our own music and stuff.

“We’ve been doing it for 10 weeks and in the end we’ll have made a song.

“Drumming has been really good and he’s taught us loads.”