WHILE class is back for most youngsters in Bury, for a group of rocking teens term is over for another year after another successful series of summer sessions at the Ramsbottom School of Rock.

Throughout August a dozen aspiring rock gods were given a crash course from the rock and roll basics through to forming bands, trying their hand at new instruments, writing their own songs and performing a big concert.

The rock school was created by Dean Casement of North Manchester blues and roots band The Plumedores and Andy Hargreaves from critically acclaimed Manchester outfit I Am Kloot and sees boys and girls from across the borough come together to shred on guitar, blast the drums, own the microphone and make great new friends in the process.

After two weeks of jamming and learning tons of new skills, the youngsters then played a huge concert to a packed out crowd of friends and family complete with lights and a "full rock show" set-up.

Dean said: "This year's summer school has been absolutely brilliant.

"It's not just about music and there's always a lot or morale building. We really encourage people to be daft and have fun, just getting them interacting, having a laugh and creating friendships.

"I have previously said if just one person leaves and starts a band then our job is done, and I have found out that the kids have since been using social media to sort that out and it's breeding it again."

Following the summer sessions, School of Rock members were invited to play the World Black Pudding Throwing Championship in Ramsbottom last weekend.

The talented young musicians played an 11 song set packed with classic tracks including Journey's Don't Stop Believing, Aerosmith's Walk This Way and an electrifying encore of The Undertone's Teenage Kicks.

They also performed several acoustic numbers including Bon Jovi's Livin' On A Prayer and The Shallows from the 2018 film A Star is Born.

Dean said: "It was a really good afternoon and they went down a storm. There was no pressure and the kids just went out and enjoyed themselves, it was great.

"They were so much more confident than two weeks previously and they had all gone away and come back with a bit of stage presence ­— just like proper rock stars."

However the fun doesn't stop there. After the rock school was launched last year the project became an instant runaway success, spurring Dean and Andy to create a monthly meet up.

Every second Sunday music mad teens descend on the centre to jam, write music and perform, with many going on to play in their bands outside the sessions.

The rock school is due to return in October and is held at Ramsbottom Learning Centre in Stubbins Vale Road. To find out more visit the School of Rock Ramsbottom Facebook page www.facebook.com/SchoolOfRockRamsbottom.