IT IS easy to forget how lucky York is in the provision of arts activities for young people, with children throughout the city taking part in music and drama classes and shows.

Saturday afternoon saw the fifth annual School Drama Festival, held at Central Hall, York University and organised by the City of York Council's arts services.

Some 300 children from 15 schools performed short plays that were by turns funny and serious.

Everyone involved in this tremendous and uplifting event deserves a round of applause.

Updated: 10:13 Monday, March 10, 2003