IT'S not every Monday morning kids turn up for school and find a world famous rock drummer in their midst.

But yesterday the youngsters at King William School in Swindon had a treat in store when former Status Quo band member Jeff Rich popped in to host a workshop.

"Jeff contacted the school in the autumn and asked if we would be interested in hosting a percussion workshop," said headteacher, Margaret Clarke.

"Within the school, one class plays djembe drums weekly and a child has drum kit lessons so this was an opportunity not to be missed."

The children aged 7-11 years participated in a ‘hands –on’ history of the drums followed by a jamming session involving the whole school.

Everyone, including the staff, played alongside Jeff, who enthusiastically demonstrated the musical talent that helped make the Quo one of the most successful rock bands in the world.

Eight-year-old Johnny Walsh, pictured said: "I was excited to be playing alongside a professional drummer especially as I was using Jeff’s snare drum. It made me feel as if I was in a real band."

Jeff whose nickname is Worzel joined Status Quo in 1985 and played with the band for 15 year before leaving to spend more time with his family.

After leaving he began touring schools across the UK giving school children lessons on percussion.

After the drumming workshop Mrs Clarke said: "Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and hopefully, just like Jeff, will be inspired to pursue the idea of drum lessons in the future."