Thousands of events will take place this week in a national schools festival designed to celebrate talent in all young people.

Events in the festival, called Shine, will showcase dance, music, film, sport, science, enterprise and a host of less recognised 'talents' such as caring and leadership.

Many schools have taken on the challenge of finding and celebrating a talent in each pupil.

Almost 350 different skills have been identified by young people themselves.

Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, said: "Every parent will agree with me that all children have a talent and I hope Shine will allow schools to bring every child together in a festival week and join the national campaign.

"I know from first hand experience that there are many exciting activities in schools designed to unlock young people's potential.

"Only the other week I saw a primary school in East Anglia where the walls, ceilings and doors were all covered in art work and at a secondary school in Birmingham I met young people training to be basketball professionals.

"In Stockport I met children with a real gift for looking after farm animals and in Kent I was treated to some extremely tasty spaghetti bolognese made by some young people with special educational needs.

"These are just a few examples of things I have seen but I know there are more out there."