A service which provides a musical education to thousands of youngsters across the district has been praised by Government inspectors.

Ofsted has been singing the praises of Bradford Music Service and applauded "enthusiastic" staff for providing a "rapidly expanding service". Graham Cox, who runs the service based at Education Bradford's Future House, said he was delighted with the report.

The service, which employs 85 staff, provides workshops and lessons for schools, and inspectors said it also supports the curriculum well by arranging varied sessions.

Sixty per cent of lessons were found to be good or better, while the remaining 40 per cent were said to be satisfactory. Inspectors also said the system was "well led by a conscientious head of service".

The senior team was found to have "tremendous willingness and enthusiasm to further develop the serviced".

Mr Cox, who took over in 2001, said he was pleased with the progress made.

He said: "We have introduced a number of innovations which have strengthened the service and helped to further advance musical opportunities for pupils across the district."

These include the Youth Orchestra, which has 70 members aged 11 to 18, who will be going on their first tour to Budapest, in Hungary, next month.

The Schools' Prom is also held annually at St George's Hall and gives pupils a chance to showcase their talents.

Inspectors recommended improving the quality of assessment, support for pupils, and auditing the musical needs of all schools.

Mr Cox said an action plan was already drawn up to further improve the system.