Music pupil no longer left frustrated

Michael Bayley (8) had been unable to make use of the instrument with which he was provided by his school because it was only suitable for right-handed people.

But Edward Bryant Primary School has now agreed to restring the guitar to adapt it to his needs.

His mum, Stephanie Bayley, of Gordon Avenue, said she was delighted by the education authority's change of heart after an initial rejection of her attempts.

"I am ecstatic. It is really good news," she said when the Observer told her of the decision.

"I can't wait to tell him. He will be really excited.

"It was really difficult for him before because he wanted to play the guitar and got upset because he couldn't do it."

Michael was lent a guitar as part of a council initiative for all children in his year to have guitar lessons.

But it quickly became apparent he could not play it because of his left handedness.

Mrs Bayley asked for the guitar to be strung the other way round. This was unsuccessful and the council rejected her suggestion to buy any guitars for left-handed use.

But the education authority changed its mind in response to the pressure from Mrs Bayley.

She accused it of being Victorian in its attitude of refusing to recognise the needs of left-handed children.

A county council spokeswoman said: "We are glad this situation has been resolved and hope Michael enjoys the experience of learning to play the guitar."