YOUNGSTERS discovered their hidden talents during an annual creative arts conference.

More than 250 year five students from schools across Harwich took part in the Annual Creative Arts and Heritage Conference ran by Harwich Festival.

The annual event was held in the Harwich Arts and Heritage Centre, in Main Road, Dovercourt on May 20.

The day opened with a combined dance led by Harwich and Dovercourt High School students which pupils took part in before splitting off into groups to undertake seven workshops.

The workshops youngsters tried out included, a heritage workshop delivered by New Heritage Solutions as part of their Harwich Haven: Surrender to Sanctuary project, an instrumental zoo, as well as dance, drama and singing workshops.

Students also took part in creating their own artwork which will be exhibited as part of the 20cm by 20cm Open Exhibition during this summer's Harwich Festival.

Pupils also had the chance to play in a rock band in a workshop hosted by We Are Music.

This is the fifth year the conference has taken place.

Michael Offord, Harwich Festival's general manager said: "This a great event – one of the highlights of our year round programme.

"It's wonderful to see so many young people truly engage in the activities and feedback from the staff and pupils has again been fantastic.

"I would like to thank all of the students, schools, workshop leaders, volunteers, without whom the event would not be possible."