Youngsters drummed up a good time when they were led by former Emerson, Lake and Palmer musician Carl Palmer.

The drummer, who found fame with ELP, now plays with the rock band Asia and his own group The Carl Palmer Band.

But he took time away from the bright lights to lead about 100 special needs children in drum circles at Guiseley School.

The children – many with hearing impediments or visual impairments – took part in two sessions at the school on Monday. They came from Menston St Mary’s as well as schools in Guiseley, Rawdon and Yeadon.

And, with noise levels hitting the roof, they clearly enjoyed every minute of it.

Youngsters of all ages, from a dozen schools, had loads of fun playing African-style drums and other percussion instruments – and at the same time developed their listening, participation and team skills.

The Guiseley event is one of a handful run around the country each year by Carl and his colleague Frank Askew as Drum Clinics UK.

The rock drummer became involved in sessions for special needs youngsters after realising that there was no programme for deaf or blind children to play in such large groups.

And he stressed that the sessions were about things other than drumming skills.

“We are not here to teach them the drum,” he said. “They are just using the drum as a vehicle to work with each other.”

He said whereas children could feel daunted by other musical instruments they were quite happy to throw themselves into drumming.

“When the kids walk into a room they have no hesitation in picking up a drum and using it,” he said.

He said it was a instrument which deaf children could enjoy – they see and feel the drum and its vibrations.

Guiseley School’s director of inclusion Garry Freeman, who organised the event, said: “It’s a good laugh. They don’t even realise they are learning these things. They just love doing it.”

Katherine Robertshaw, the activities co-ordinator for Aireborough Extended Services, said the children taking part – ranging from infants to teenagers – had all seemed to enjoy the event. She said: “It was fabulous and they all really got into it. Carl was very good. He got every child involved.”