Commonweal School, in the Mall, is to play host to a Japanese girls' school choir today.

The Kurume Shin-ai Jogakuin High School Choir, which has been running since 1992 and has won many awards,will perform for the schoolchildren.

Swindon Council's music centre has organised the visit after becoming involved in a Japanese music festival in 2001.

Jeanette Ketcher, one of the staff at the Music Centre said: "The Kurume High School Choir performs at an extraordinarily high level.

"English students who have an interest in performance will gain a lot by just watching the sheer discipline and focus of this group."

While the Japanese singers are in Swindon they will visit the town's Steam museum and the McArthur Glen Outlet Village.

They will also meet Mayor Derek Benfield.