YOUNG people in the north Cotswolds will soon have access to top quality music tuition and playing opportunities on their doorstep.

Gloucestershire Music, the county council’s music service, is starting a new music centre based at The Cotswold School, Bourton.

In the past music pupils in the north of the county have had to travel long distances to take part in Gloucestershire Music activities.

The new North Cotswold Music Centre will provide expert tuition and guidance in the evenings. It aims to provide group playing opportunities in woodwind, brass and string playing. Choral and vocal ensembles will also run and it is hoped that the centre will eventually have its own youth orchestra.

Steve Legge, assistant head of Gloucestershire Music, said: “The centre will offer students the chance to expend their musical horizons beyonf the confines of their school and home. It will also provide them with an opportunity to meet new people, play together, have fun and feel part of the wider county music community.”

Mr Legge said regular performances will be held throughout the year to allow mums and dads to come and hear the end results.

To launch the new project the new centre will take part in Gloucestershire Music’s prestigious four-day Youth Makes Music concert at Cheltenham Town Hall on June 30 at 7pm.

Rehearsals for the new centre will begin on Wednesday, May 26 with a taster session from 6pm to 8pm to give young singers and musicians the chance to meet tutors, collect some music and have a go.

All classes and groups will be free until the centre is up and running after the concert, after which a “reasonable annual charge” will be introduced, with sessions running two to three hours a week.

Absolute beginners are encouraged to join the centre but Gloucestershire Music says it would help to be able to at least play from simple music. Senior groups will be for grade four and above.

To book a place at the centre contact Gloucestershire Music on 01452 330300 or email steve.legge@gloucestershire.gov.uk The closing date for booking a place is Friday, May 7.