THE instrument beloved of Sherlock Holmes and Nigel Kennedy has struck a chord with a group of Malvern youngsters.

No fewer than 18 pupils, aged seven to 11, are learning to play the violin at The Wyche CE Primary School.

Deputy headteacher Debbie Langston put the instrument's popularity down to the popularity of their violin teacher Alison Virgo.

"She's a very lively, bubbly, amiable lady," she said.

Miss Langston said that learning an instrument could be a welcome diversion from the constant academic testing pupils have to undergo.

"It's not something that you have to be academic to achieve and it gives them a chance to shine," she said.

The children are taught in groups and several of them are taking their Royal Schools of Music exams this year, including two who are going for Grade III.