Pupils from Preston Lodge High School were treated to a stirring musical performance thanks to a visit by the Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra.

The orchestra forms part of the British Army’s Royal Corps of Army Music and is stationed in the former quarters of the Royal Artillery at Woolwich Barracks.

String-playing Preston Lodge pupils took the opportunity to warm up with the orchestra before taking part in a moving performance to an audience of expressive arts students.

As part of the performance, members of the orchestra explained how music works in the British Army, and the wider opportunities music can bring.

A spokesperson from the school said: “The event really opened our eyes and made those playing and watching think more broadly about futures beyond school.

“Thank you so much to Jonathan Gawn, team manager for the instrumental music service, the orchestra, our music team and, of course, our students for providing us with a really uplifting morning.”