Gareth Malone – star of BBC2's The Choir: Boys Don't Sing – will lead a series of workshops with pupils, culminating in a concert with the City of London Sinfonia at Sudbury Upper School.

And music teachers and pupils are thrilled at the prospec.

Judith Morgan, music teacher at Tudor Primary School, said: "I got a phone call on Tuesday from the London Sinfonia, asking if Gareth could come to the school. I really could not believe it.

"I can hardly sleep – this is the most wonderful event for the school. He will be here all day on Friday with three musicians, to work with a group of pupils to help us prepare for next week's concert, which is something I'm sure none of us will ever forget."

The project, Class Creates, has been organised by Babergh District Council with the CLS. It aims to introduce classical music to new audiences.

Susie Tyrrell, Babergh's arts and community development officer, said: 'This is a really exciting project and one which we are delighted Babergh has been able to fund and organise.

"To have a TV star working with schoolchildren in Babergh and for them to be accompanied by world-class orchestral players during workshops is a dream come true.''

''The final concert is an experience which I'm sure the children will love and remember for years to come. We are hoping it may even inspire some to pursue a career in music.''

Workshops are at Tudor, Uplands, Cornard Upper, Sudbury Upper and Clare Middle schools from today until July 4.

They lead up to a concert on Saturday, July 5.

The finale will feature performances from the CLS, Gareth Malone and all the children.

Tickets are already on sale. Family tickets cost £7, adults £3 and children £1.50, from Sudbury tourist information centre in Gaol Lane, or by calling 01787 881320.