Thousands of pounds were raised for a deprived school in the Ivory Coast during an evening of song and dance in High Wycombe.

West Africa Spectacular was held at the Arts4Every1 Centre in Desborough Road on Saturday.

The unique show opened with 36 members of The Hartbeats Vitae Drummers, who have been drumming in High Wycombe for over 16 years, and were joined by master drummer and Ngoni player Sidiki Dembélé, flautist Baba Gallé Kante and dancer and drummer Yahael Camara-Onono.

The audience enjoyed an exhilarating drum and dance set and a selection of songs featuring traditional West African instruments such as the N’goni, a stringed instrument and the Fulani flute.

The show was closed by eight-piece drumming group, Africa Junction.

More than £2,000 has been raised from ticket and CD sales so far.

All of the money raised will go to the Denifari Music School in Abobo, Ivory Coast.

The show was organised by Justine Hart, who has been running Hartbeats African Drumming workshops and classes in High Wycombe and Wendover since 1998.

Justine said: “I was over the moon that we had sold so many tickets and it was great to see The Arts4every1 Centre full and buzzing. 

“By the end of the evening the audience were all on their feet dancing and I particularly loved it when a conga procession danced down the aisles.

“The centre used be St John's Church so the venue created wonderful acoustics and atmosphere.”

Justine hopes the event will encourage more people to use the Arts Centre.

She said: “I started my African drumming classes in the previous Spring Gardens Arts Centre in 1998 before it was demolished and so I'm delighted to be making good use of High Wycombe's current art centre.”