13337/1GAZETTE & HERALD: A steady drumbeat could be heard from St Peter's Primary School, in Chippenham, last week as schoolchildren spent two days shaking, stamping and rattling to the rhythms of Africa.

Drummer and dancer Ben Baddow, who lives in Bristol, but is originally from Ghana, taught the children some of his moves in a series of traditional African dance classes at the school.

To get them in the mood the 60-year-old, from the Wise Move organisation, accompanied the dances with African instruments, including traditional drums and an African xylophone.

Headteacher Sue Smith said the event was a huge success.

"The kids really enjoyed themselves and responded with great enthusiasm. He was absolutely wonderful," she said.

The workshops were paid for by the school's parents association, the Friends of St Peters, as part of the school's commitment to providing a broad base of experience for the children.

Mrs Smith said that last year the school set up links with St Peter's Primary School, in Mukono, in Uganda.

She said that as part of the scheme the children have learnt about Uganda in their geography and history lessons.

The headteacher said the dance workshops were an important part of helping the children broaden their experiences and learn about a different culture.