Young Poplar guitarist giggles as Boris Johnson showcases his musical talent

Young East End performers didn’t exactly look a-tuned to London mayor Boris Johnson as he launched a new music charity with them.

The talented group, who play the guitar, double bass, trumpet and clarinet between them, giggled along as the mayor tried to entertain them with his own guitar strumming today.

Sitting next to him, nine-year-old Tara Jones, who goes to St Saviour’s Primary in Poplar and plays the piano and guitar, sported a cheeky grin as the mayor showcased his rhythmic abilities.

The new charity, The Mayor of London’s Fund for Young Musicians, will give 400 scholarships to 7 to 11-year-olds with a proven commitment and talent for music.

The four-year scholarships will include tuition, access to instruments and Saturday music school.

Opportunities will be given to pupils who “could otherwise be overlooked”, Mr Johnson said.

Jean-Michael Javier, 11, from Globe Primary School in Bethnal Green, Amy Portchmouth, 11, from Columbia in Bethnal Green and Tahmidur Rahman, 13, who goes to Swanlea secondary school in Whitechapel also helped launch the charity.