Four all girl bands hit the right note in Norwich, showcasing their musical talents in a special rock school event.

The musicians aged from 10 to 17 years old had all signed up to taken part in a new 10-week Access to Music course designed to encourage girls to have fun with music and develop the confidence to perform a mix of songs including their own works.

Yesterday saw the bands on stage at the Brickmakers, in Sprowston Road, showing off exactly what they had gained from the Girls R Loud course.

Lead guitarist Rosanna Bell, 13, from the band Amplified Angels, said she signed up after reading about the course in the Evening News.

'We've really covered a lot and all the advisors are really helpful, and it's helped make me a better guitarist,' said Rosanna from Sprowston. 'I saw it in the Evening News and made up my mind to do it and I've really enjoyed it.'

Singer Hannah Marshall, aged 13, from Bunwell, near Long Stratton, whose band named Thrown Together performed songs by the White Stripes, and the Cranberries, as well as their own composition, called Pete, said: 'My dad told me about it and I told him I wouldn't go. But it's been really good fun and I have met people I wouldn't normally meet.'

Fellow bass player Tyler Owens-Peters, 10, from Newton Flotman, said she first started playing four years ago after watching her older brother play guitar.

'I just heard about it and wanted to come because it sounded really good,' she said.

Guitarist Katherine Campbell, 16, from Taverham, who had taken part in previous courses, also came back to perform with her band The Beckoning.

'I love music and I think a lot of people want to play music, but haven't got anywhere to go,' she said. 'Just playing helps you work together and meet a group of people. Everyone is so lovely and I have a met a lot of good friends.

Run by an all-woman team of professional musicians, the scheme was set up to give girls the chance to express themselves musically in a safe and supportive environment. Participants also learned recording and production skills and techniques.

Charlotte Hancy, leader of the course based at the Access to Music venue in King Street, said: 'We've had four bands on the course. They've worked incredibly hard and have been really focused. There's a real mix; we have got some rock, and some ballads and a range of influences.

'It's good for developing confidence, and skills and putting into practice what they are doing in their music lessons.'

For more information, contact Charlotte on 07900 491807, email girlsrloudrockschool2008@hotmail.co.uk or search for girlsrloud Rockschool on Facebook.

Do you have a story for the Evening News? Call reporter Shaun Lowthorpe on 01603 772471 or email shaun.lowthorpe@archant.co.uk