An Ilkley student drummed up support for contemporary music lessons across Wharfedale this week.

Jack Hendy, a year 5 pupil from All Saints Primary School, joined teenage bands to inspire fellow pupils join a Bradford rock school.

The nine-year-old has been studying drumming with Learn to Rock, a music education company based at Dixon’s City Academy in Bradford. Although he has only had seven months of teaching, he was able to join older band members at introductory sessions at his own school and St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Otley.

Learn to Rock helps schools set up their own music classes, with tuition in bass and electric guitar, drums, keyboard and pop vocals. It already holds Saturday classes at Ilkley’s Moorfield School for Girls and is looking for more schools across Wharfedale to take part.

Its owner, Dr Alison Smith, said Jack was a great example to his fellow pupils.

“He’s very gifted and he was playing with some of our 11 to 18-year-olds,” she said. Acting head of All Saints Karen Balmer said the children thought the introductory session was great fun. “The children loved that style of music and it made a change from the normal things we do,” she added.

Jean Smith, head of St Joseph’s, said: “The children really loved it.”

Moorfield School is hosting a Learn to Rock half-term holiday club between Monday and Wednesday next week. For more information, contact 01274 875837.