A SCHOOL of Rock has staged its annual end-of-class ‘Big Gig’ for young music makers.

Lancashire School of Rock in Edenfield, hosted the gathering after two weeks of preparation at the Provident Society Cafe.

Students were asked to draw up a list of at least three classic rock songs they would like to see practised and performed by other students at the gig, culminating in a grand finale with 17 students performing onstage.

A setlist spanning a variety of classic and modern rock songs, including ‘The Power of Love’ by Huey Lewis and the News, ‘Blitzkrieg Bop’ by The Ramones, and ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ by Wheatus was delivered.

Several businesses donated to the School of Rock raffle, including Pure Ramsbottom, vintage Barbershop and Music Store, and The Vineyard Wine Shop, helping raise more than £300 for Derian House Children’s Hospice.

Dean Casement, guitar tutor and the owner of School of Rock, said: “I was mesmerised by every one of those kids performing and there were certain moments, where I felt utterly absorbed by it, and where there were signs of real genius at play.

“If just one of those kids goes off and has a successful career in music, I’ve done my job, and from what I saw on the final night, some have bright futures ahead.

“There is something special in every last one of them, each of them proved their own individual talents and that they want to play, it’s not just a hobby, it’s a passion.

“I hope they go on to use the resources on offer here to really go somewhere with it.

“I try to light the spark of passion for music, and make it as joyous as possible.

“Also, I want to say I was overwhelmed by the support we got from everyone who donated.

"I don’t like to ask for much, but what we got from them was really generous.”