THE SOUND of drums was heard in the corridors of an Ascot primary school this week to mark Black History Month.

A musician visited Cranbourne Primary School on Monday (October 10) armed with African djembe drums for the children to get their hands on.

The djembe is one of West Africa's best known instruments, made of hardwood and topped with an animal skin to form a drum.

Its name is derived from a proverb in the Bambara language which translates as 'everyone gather together in peace' and defines its purpose.

Pupils learnt how to hold and play the drum, including making noises linked with African animals such as lions and elephants, learning rhythm and beat and making up silly but memorable sentences to help them keep in time.

Among those enthused by the experience was eight-year-old Jack Dommett, in Year 3.

He said: "It was banging amazing, I liked hitting the drum and making different sounds with my hands."

Marley Maddison, in Year 4, added: "I liked seeing drums from a different country and how they looked, normal drums are very different.

"If you hit the edge of the drum it made a different sound than if you hit the centre."

According to headteacher Ruth Huckle, Cranbourne was committed to understanding the diversity in the world and in Britain.

"We have held assemblies on black sporting heroes and in our lessons looked at famous people throughout history, as well as celebrating aspects of art and culture," she said.

"A great time was had by the staff and children alike."

Black History Month has been celebrated every October in the UK for more than 35 years.