A TEAM of talented young musicians from Redbridge braved the cold and rain to perform for thousands of spectators at the Lord Mayor's Show.

Hardy members from Forest School's Big Band played their way from Mansion House to St Paul's Cathedral as part of the three-mile-long procession on Saturday.

George Paynter, a teacher at the school in College Place, Snaresbrook, said the youngsters were proud to represent Forest on its 175th anniversary.

He said: "Foresters were proud to celebrate their city’s proud cultural heritage and demonstrate exactly why London is widely regarded as the most cosmopolitan city in the world.

"With his twin appeal targets of music and cricket, it seemed fitting that our Big Band should feature in our support of the Lord Mayor’s Show as part of our 175th anniversary celebrations.

"A dismal day and the promise of gales and heavy rain might have put others off, but our early risers didn’t bat an eyelid as we started our final preparations at 6.30 in the morning.

"An open-top bus may have been a little risky for November, but it paid off as our musical maestri entertained the crowds along the procession route – and thoroughly enjoyed themselves into the bargain.

"Amazingly, the rain held off so that we could play throughout the outbound journey. We were not quite as fortunate on the return journey, but our hardy youngsters, especially the brass section, still managed to offer a tune or two."

The youngsters ended the day back at the school by providing a musical accompaniment to the Parents Association's fireworks display.

Mr Paynter said: "Altogether, a day for our students to 'sparkle' across the capital."