A local after-school guitar group strung away the blues during a musical showcase for patients and visitors at Heartlands Hospital last week.

The group of 13 nine to 15 year old guitar stars from Norton Hall Children and Family Centre created a calm and relaxing environment for staff, patients and visitors passing through the Hospital’s crush hall with a medley of group and solo performances.

Stephanie Reilly, aged 9 from the Norton Hall Children and Family Centre after school club, said: “It was fun because we went out to play guitar and did a performance in front of people. It looked like people were enjoying the music.”

Esther Jackson, music co-ordinator at Heartlands Hospital, said: “It is fantastic to see young people using their spare time to get involved in activities that are so beneficial to the local community.  Being in Hospital can often be a stressful experience, so as well as boosting the players confidence, it also provides a welcome distraction for those who are staying at the Hospital or visiting relatives”