THERE was barely a dry eye in the house as the young voices of the B Sharp Vocal Collective rang out and raised the rafters of Exeter Cathedral last week.

The Beer Quarry Caves Concert was the culmination of a year of work that has seen children and young people from across the region working with music professionals to produce new music and songs inspired by the caves.

The B Sharp Vocal Collective filled the second half of the concert following a selection of stories, film, songs and poems organised by Woodroffe School related to the historic caves at Beer where stone has been quarried for 2,000 years.

Under the direction of composer John K Miles, the collective, made up of young singers from St Michael’s and Mrs Ethelston’s primary school in Lyme Regis, St Mary’s in Bridport and Woodroffe School, were in stunning form, delivering formidable performances that brought a lump to the throats of parents and teachers alike, said B Sharp director Fran Williams.

She said: “Not only was the singing incomparably powerful, the fact that all the ideas, lyrics and melodies came from the young people themselves is a lasting testament to their creativity, ambition and talent.”

The band was made up of Deborah Jordan, Winston Clifford, Dave Manington and Jack Ross. They were joined by B Sharp mentors Chloe Stratta and Jacques Verhaeren.

Around 160 children took part from all over West Dorset and East Devon as an audience of more than 500 looked on.

Composer and music leader John K Miles said: “Awesome, committed performances, it was a stunning culmination to another wonderful B Sharp project,”

B Sharp runs a varied programme of music, singing and young music leadership, with weekly music making groups where children and young people can explore and develop their music skills.

There is a bursary scheme. For more information call 01297 444252 or email franwilliams@bsharp.uk.com