HIPHOP group Twelve24 were the headline act at a concert organised by a youth group from Royston.

The Manchester-based band were top of the bill at Ignite Youth Group’s concert held at Coombes Community Centre, in Burns Road, Royston.

The event followed a week of workshops, attended by pupils from Greneway, Roysia and Edwinstree middle schools, which were led by the band in conjunction with the BRAVE trust, a Christian organisation that works in middle and upper schools.

Margaret MacCormack, leader of Ignite Youth Group and school worker at the BRAVE Trust, said: “It has been good to see the Twelve24 band communicate so well with the students in the schools.

“The staff, dinner ladies, cooks and caretakers have all had fun in the atmosphere created by the band.

“The concert on Friday was fantastic. The talents of the group shone through and the words of their own songs have inspired us all. Many children bought the Better Words CD and were thanking us as they left. A sincere thanks to all who contributed in any way to this memorable event.”

The concert was partly funded by a £430 grant from North Herts District Council’s Royston Area Committee, with the rest of the funding being raised by the youth group and Churches Together in Royston and District.

Cllr Fiona Hill, chairman of the area committee said: “The concert brought a lot of joy to people of all ages throughout the community. It also developed the skills of the Ignite Youth Group and helped them experience what’s involved in putting on a public concert. We were very happy to be able to support the project and delighted with the outcome.“

Ignite Youth Group meet on Fridays from 6pm-7.15pm at the Coombes community centre to take part in creative activities, crafts and games. Young people in the group are also encouraged to participate in activities that help look after their communities such as visiting homes for the elderly.