YOUNG songbirds from six York and North Yorkshire primary schools brought harmony to their friends and families for the York Music Live Festival.

Children aged between five and seven sang at the Tempest Anderson Hall, as part of City of York Council's Art Service Little Sing initiative.

One hundred and sixty youngsters from St George's, Skelton, Clifton Green, St Lawrence's, St Mary's and Naburn primary schools joined forces to sing songs from their accompanist Nikki Nicholson's new song book, Who's Living In My Garden?

Jane Woolgar, early years arts consultant for the Arts Service, said: "Little Sing inspires a love and enjoyment of singing and performing. It teaches the children how to work together, gives them self esteem and is a skill they can develop as they grow up." A Giving Voice resource pack for teachers, compiled by composer and performer, Em Whitfield, will be launched next week

Updated: 10:37 Tuesday, May 20, 2003