Generous music lovers have donated violins to a school so its pupils can learn to play.

The donations came as a result of an appeal by Mandy Wells, a music teacher at Francis Patton Primary, who did not have enough instruments for all the students who wanted to take up the hobby.

Eight students at Francis Patton Primary had been attending the popular free lessons for the past year, and Mrs. Wells needed six more violins so that even more students could begin lessons this year.

Thanks to a story in in October, four second-hand violins were given to the school and a further donation was also made by the insurance and reinsurance company Axis Specialty that allowed Mrs. Wells to purchase three new instruments.

This means that there are now 22 budding, young string players taking lessons at Francis Patton.

?We had a fantastic response to our appeal and the students are overjoyed and really enthusiastic? said Mrs. Wells.

?Learning to play the violin is excellent for their motor skills and for developing a sense of dedication and determination. It?s also good for their creativity and overall confidence.

?It?s unusual to have this many students wanting to learn to play. Usually they want to be on the football and netball teams but they have seen their peers carrying around these gorgeous violin cases and the enthusiasm to learn has been contagious.?