Fiddlers on the hoof to play for cricket fans

Buskaid, the charity which brings together Britain's top classical players to raise funds for young musicians in South Africa's black townships, adds a special venue to its day of concerts this year.

A flute and cello duo will entertain cricket fans outside St John's Wood Underground station in north London to mark the first day of the England versus South Africa Test at Lord's on Thursday.

Other events include performances by members of the Philharmonia Orchestra String Ensemble at Victoria station, and by the London Mozart Players at the Broadgate Centre in the City.

Euston station and Covent Garden piazza will also be the venues for several hours of continuous live music, including baroque played on early instruments.

Buskaid's original proteges, the African Youth Ensemble, reached a world audience recently when some of its members played at the inauguration of President

Nelson Mandela.