A RECORDING studio that has helped thousands of children and aspiring musicians is closing because it cannot get funding.

Northern Recording, a co-operative based in an former miners' hall at Delves Lane, near Consett, County Dur-ham, has also been used by artists such as AC/DC's Brian Johnson and folk singers Bob Fox and Jed Grimes.

Its pioneering Making Music Work programme, which introduced youngsters to music-making and recording, won national acclaim.

The studio, set up in 1988, has helped scores of upcoming musicians and bands.

The studio is closing this week because it cannot attract the money to pay for a new building and recording equipment.

Spokesman Paul Green said: "It is no longer viable to run the studios from these premises without lowering our standards, and we are not prepared to do that.

"We have twice applied for Lottery funding through the Arts Council for new studios, but have been turned down on each occasion.

"Having exhausted all other possibilities, we have come to the conclusion that we have no other option but to close.

"This was a very difficult decision to make as there is as much demand for affordable, accessible facilities as there was when we first started.

"There is a need for investment at a grassroots level to support talented rock and pop musicians, particularly those from disadvantaged communities. But with showpiece projects like the Sage in Gateshead absorbing much of the money coming into the region, smaller creative projects like Northern Recording seem to be easily overlooked."

The group launched Stanley Blues Festival in 1993, which is thought will continue.