WORCESTER toddlers will be performing alongside musicians from the English Symphony Orchestra, thanks to a new musical project.

A grant of more than £20,000 from National Foundation of Youth Music will be used to give eight nurseries in the county a specially designed music programme for children who would not ordinarily have access to music.

Among the nurseries taking part in Mini Music Magic project are Warndon Infants School, and London Road Playgroup and Pre-school, in Worcester.

Nursery assistants, parents and teachers will be trained to use the new music materials and teaching strategies.

The programme, run by Worcestershire Arts Education in partnership with Rhythm Rascals and the English Symphony Orchestra, will culminate in a performance with musicians from the ESO.

William Boughton, ESO musical director, said the orchestra was very enthusiastic about the scheme.

"Music is so vital to a child's development, both creatively and aurally," said Dr Boughton.

"I am delighted the ESO can be a part of this project to assist in the development of young children in Worcestershire.

"Without funding bodies like Youth Music this type of activity would not be taking place, making our children's development something of a lottery."

Philippa Gray, of Rhythm Rascals, is leading the project and welcomed the involvement of the ESO.

"I am delighted to be leading the Mini Music Magic project, especially as it will bring a structured music programme to very young children who might not otherwise have that experience," she said.

"I am particularly pleased that musicians from the English Symphony Orchestra will be taking part as well."

The £21,240 grant comes from Youth Music's First Steps scheme, which has given more than £1m to music-making opportunities for under-fives throughout the country since June, 2000.

Youth Music allocated funding with support from the National Lottery and the trustees report to the Arts Council of England.