PRIMARY schools in Swindon have been given £4,100 to spend on musical instruments.

The money will be distributed among the town's schools to buy and repair instruments for pupils aged seven to 11.

The cash boost to local music services was announced by the Government as part of a £2m national ring-fenced fund for 2006/7.

Schools Minister Andrew Adonis said the money would go a long way to helping the Government meet its pledge to ensure every child had the opportunity to learn an instrument.

The allocations are on top of the £26m given to schools in England over the next two years for instrumental and vocal tuition.

Mr Adonis said: "Already, the number of primary school pupils learning an instrument has doubled since 2002 and I am delighted that we are giving even more children the opportunity to do so through the musical instrument purchase and repair fund.

"The Music Manifesto is clear in its aim that all young people, whatever their background or abilities, have access to a rich and diverse range of musical experiences.

"The allocations we are making are an important part of this as we increase access to musical instruments in primary schools."