YOUNG inmates taking part in an award-winning music scheme have played for Princess Anne - and one of their choices was the theme tune from the film The Great Escape.

The princess visited Thorn Cross young offenders' institution in Warrington to meet inmates on a 12-week scheme run in partnership with the Halle Orchestra.

Thorn Cross music instructor Ewan Easton, a principal tuba player with the Halle, introduced the programme four years ago to teach the young offenders how to read and play music as a way of building their confidence, motivation and learning skills.

Princess Anne presented Mr Easton with a Butler Trust Award at Buckingham Palace in March for his work with the brass band. The inmates rehearse once a week under the tuition of Halle players and have played in front of fellow inmates and families including a concert at the Halle's home - the Bridgwater Hall in Manchester.

Band members who had been learning their instruments for just four weeks performed a short repertoire during the VIP visit, including renditions of the Rocky theme tune and the Great Escape for the royal party.

Serving

Cornet player Peter, 19, who is serving almost three years, said: "I've been teaching myself guitar and this was another good opportunity for me to learn an instrument. I might like to join a band when I leave.

"At the beginning I didn't think I could do this but it feels like a bit of an achievement. Princess Anne asked me if it was difficult and I told her it was quite easy once you learned how."

For inmate Mohammed, 20, who is in Thorn Cross for three years, it is the first time he has picked up an instrument. He said: "I saw my friends play and thought I could accomplish something too. I was nervous at first but it's really built my confidence and I am proud that we are now performing for royalty. If I was outside I would never have had this opportunity."

Around 120 young offenders have taken part in the project over the past four years. They rehearse once a week.

Mr Easton said: " The reality is that these young men are going to come out one day and we have skills we can pass on to them.

"We perform in the prison every 12 weeks and are inundated with people wanting to have a go.

"These are lads who've often been frustrated by education and are now developing an enthusiasm for learning and skills that they can apply in handling themselves on the outside."

Princess Anne arrived at the prison by helicopter. She unveiled a plaque to commemorate the visit.

Juveniles were removed from Thorn Cross in April and it now houses more than 300 young offenders aged 18-25.