A group of talented students produced the goods to put on a series of concerts in collaboration with a world-famous orchestra.

Nineteen music students from Lowestoft Sixth Form College worked with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) to script, plan, present, market and manage three concerts, held on March 23 and 24 at Lowestoft's Marina Theatre.

The project, named Sound Around 2018, got under way in November last year, when students attended a rehearsal for the RPO's 'Music of John Williams' concert at the Marina. In January, they began devising a concert of their own with the help of RPO members, Orchestras Live, and the Marina's tech and marketing teams.

They eventually settled on an orchestral concert with a children's story about a bee named Bumble that would be told between musical pieces chosen by the students.

Music teacher Guy Nottage said: 'Being given the opportunity to work so closely with a world-famous orchestra like the Royal Philharmonic was simply incredible – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students.

'The RPO team were so accommodating, inspirational and helpful to the students, and it was evident from the outset that they were just as passionate about this show as we were.'

The students - strategically split into four teams - learned a wide variety of skills as they became accustomed to professional practice and ensured all the finer details were ironed out.

After three months of hard work, the show was presented to the public on March 23, with a host of local primary school pupils filling the theatre seats.

The show followed Bumble (Chloe Smith) on her quest to become a conductor and was accompanied by a riveting performance from the RPO. It culminated with student Emma Clayton - after weeks of intense practice - conducting the RPO's performance of Stravinsky's 'Firebird' with an impressive display of musical skill.

'I can honestly say that every single student involved in Sound Around 2018 excelled within their role,' added Mr Nottage.

'There's been laughter, tears, pride and everything else you would expect from such a huge challenge, but our students rose to that challenge with aplomb.

'It was fantastic experience for all involved, and the final product was an incredible achievement.'