A YOUNG songwriter is celebrating cutting his first CD thanks to a community music programme.

Rapper Mohin Choudhury, 17, was the first of 54 people who took part in the Northgate into Music workshops.

The lottery-funded scheme, set in Darlington's Northgate area, was organised by the Northgate Community Partnership.

The team of professional artists behind the workshops was led by music producer Graeme Robinson, who has also produced a charity fundraising single, available on The Northern Echo's website.

"I'm delighted with the way the pilot scheme has gone," he said.

"This shows that there is a really vibrant creative and cultural identity right here in the Northgate area of town."

The Northgate Into Music programme attracted an audience of more than 200 people thanks to a series of interactive music workshops.

Mohin recorded his songs at The Baptist Tabernacle, in the town's Corporation Road, one of four venues hosting the programme.

Mr Robinson said: "I got involved as a resident of the Northgate ward and as a creative artist, in response to an invitation to submit ideas for music-related activities, primarily for young people, in the neighbourhood, but also to try to engage the Asian community in some activities to promote cohesion."

Mohin said: "I'm really pleased I came along to these sessions and I can't wait to record more music and hopefully release a record soon."

The scheme has been supported by the Arts Council, and organisers are hoping people will sign up for next year's event. For more information call 01325-255252.