An academy which teaches young people in Redbridge how to drum shared the limelight with Bhangra superstars on Sunday.

The Dhol Academy, which holds classes in William Torbitt School, Aldborough Road South, Newbury Park, took part in the London Mela in Hounslow.

Members as young as 10 took part in a procession through Gunnersbury Park to the main stage where musicians including Jaz Dhami were performing.

An academy teacher, Ricky Patel, 26, of Goodmayes, said: “That was probably the best bit because that’s where everyone was dancing and getting in to it.

“The difference between our group and other groups is that the kids get involved and grow in confidence.”

The academy’s event manager, Parminder Gill, 40, said: “The mela is really good because it brings all the communities together, everyone was intermingling.”