A NEW music project for the young people of east Winchester is set to launch after being awarded a five-figure grant.

The Winnall Rock School has received £20,000 from the National Foundation for Youth Music.

The project was conceived to help youngsters from Highcliffe and Winnall develop their skills with live music and recording.

It will provide free workshops and hands-on experience in a friendly environment for up to 60 young people aged between 10 and 18.

The workshops will be led by songwriter Tobin Thomson, singer of Brighton-based band The Lovelies.

He said: "We will have some amazing facilities. We'll be able to offer young people a place to write, rehearse and record their music, free of charge.

"This is for young people of any ability and it's for any style of music.

"They can crank the amps up or they can read poetry and jazz-dance. I don't care. As long as they mean it."

As a lead up to the official launch, the county council is funding a free songwriting and performance workshop for young people from Highcliffe and Winnall aged 11 and upwards.

The workshop will be led by The Lovelies and will take place on Saturday at the King Alfred's Youth Activity Centre site in Winnall Valley Road. Participants will be encouraged to develop songwriting ideas, learn instruments and perform their new songs, followed by a free performance by The Lovelies in the evening.

To book a space on the workshop contact Clare Hobbs on 01962 846369 or Colleen MacFarlane on 01962 870854 as soon as possible.

With the project set to launch soon, it seeks trainee music tutors and volunteers to help with future workshops.

People aged between 18 and 30 can apply to Marilyn Michalowicz, city council arts officer, on 01962 848175.

Second-hand instruments are also needed. If you have any good quality ones that you would like to donate, phone 01962 870854 or 846369.