A Darlington music hub has strengthened its board of directors as it outlines plans to grow the venue.

The Forum Music Studios on Borough Road has introduced new members to strengthen its board of directors which includes Laura Saunders-Jerrom and Steve Milbourne.

Mrs Saunders-Jerrom is a lawyer and partner at Hewitt’s, one of the largest firms of solicitors in the region, and Steve Milbourne is a music industry consultant who has worked in both labels and management for 20 years.

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Chair Michael Bainbridge said: "We have exciting plans to extend and upgrade our existing facilities to improve the overall experience for both artists & the audience.

"We also want to introduce new activities & services to enhance our existing offer as a grassroots live music & creative learning hub.’’

Chief executive, Allison Mckay, said: ‘The Board of Directors are key in ensuring the Forum exists for the benefit of our community.’

‘Previous directors have had great input, but we have ambitious plans for growth and having a board that has specific skills and experience in these fields will be a real help.

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"We’re really excited to be moving forward’.

Opened in 2011, The Forum Music Studios is a not-for-profit social enterprise. It is a 200-capacity venue with plug-and-play rehearsal rooms and a digital recording studio.

Other new board members include Tori Gill, and chartered accountant Jack William McKay.

Plans to expand the venue include making significant improvements to the building - such as building a carbon net zero recording studio complete with a living roof garden.

This would be a first-of-its-kind development for the region, and would also feature a new entrance and additional green room facilities.

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It is hoped this will further embed The Forum Music Studios into the heart of Darlington and in the region.

A spokesperson for the venue said the goal is to make it more accessible, attract more well-known artists and bands, and future-proof the location for years to come.

For further details about The Forum Music Studios and upcoming events, visit here.