THE magnificent sound of more than 100 instruments being played by members of the award-winning Exeter Children's Orchestra has to be heard to be believed.

Throughout the year the youngsters aged from seven to 18 years old spend every Saturday during term time practising their chosen instrument and the culmination of their hard work is the regular annual concerts.

One of the biggest is the Christmas concert, this year taking place at Exeter Corn Exchange on Sunday, December 18. Joining them are the Ockment Valley Handbell Ringers.

The Christmas themed programme includes a host of favourites. Caroline Rutherfoord, secretary of the Orchestra, said: "We have over 100 members so it's a big sound! We work to a very high standard so they put on a very good concert.

"It will sound quite Christmassy this year with the addition of the handbell ringers. The children always love performing. It gives them a focus.

"What's great about the orchestra is there are no formal auditions so it gives youngsters of any age and ability the chance to join an orchestra at a very early stage. Being able to play with people and the chance of performing several times a year is a great encouragement to children learning to play."

They play a wide variety of instruments from clarinets to cellos and violins to saxophones. There is currently a big section of flutes and one of the more unusual instruments is a bassoon.

Looking forward to seeing them all on stage at the Corn Exchange, Caroline said: "The concerts are very well supported. People really enjoy them and always say they are impressed by the sound. We make sure the concerts include popular songs such as from films or musicals as well more difficult and challenging pieces."

Past members of the orchestra have gone on to enjoy interesting careers including former cellist Joe Moran, now a choreographer and dancer and artistic director of the Dance Art Foundation, and former percussionist Mark Pusey, now one of this country's leading session drummers. He has played in recordings by many famous artists including Tom Jones, Katherine Jenkins, Il Divo, Girls Aloud, Eminem, Will Smith and many more.

Exeter Children's Orchestra, a registered charity was set up 41 years ago and relies on volunteers to keep it running. Its members have a wide range of ability and experience and the more senior players are invited to join the Youth Orchestra which tackles more challenging music.

During term time the orchestra meets every Saturday at Isca College, Exeter. For the last four years, top musicians from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra have been giving ECO a professional polish with regular coaching sessions. This year the orchestra was honoured with The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

It is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK for outstanding work in their local communities.

Tickets for the Christmas concert, starting at 7pm, cost £5.50 adults, £2.50 children.

For details call 01392 665938 or visit www.exeter.gov.uk/cornexchange.