PUPILS at a Gwent school are preparing for a marathon day of live music as they look forward to the opening of a state-of-the-art music centre.

Staff believe the performing arts centre of excellence at Cwmcarn High School, which is set to open in the new year, will be the finest centre of it type in Gwent.

It will include a theatre with the capacity to seat 200 people as well as a hi-tech recording studio. The facilities will also be open to members of the community.

And pupils are now trying to help raise up to £100,000 to pay for brand new equipment.

On Friday, more than 100 pupils will sing, strum, pluck and play from the first bell of the school day until they last.

Rock bands, choirs and orchestras are all taking part in the sponsored event that will keep fellow pupils and parents entertained throughout the day.

Music director Tim Hill said: "This was really away of the pupils giving something back to the school.

"The facilities will be fantastic for everyone. There is nothing else quite like it in the area."

The school want to make the new building a centre of excellence for music, which can be used by the wider community.

Staff hope to hold many more fundraising events throughout the year as well as applying for grants.