A CAMPAIGN to keep a grand piano in the region has struck a global chord.

International musicians have sent letters of support to campaigners trying to raise enough money to buy a Steinway, which is the centre piece of recitals at the Sir William Turners 17th Century almshouses at Kirkleatham, Redcar.

For the past six years, organisers of classical concerts have hired the Steinway from a nearby theatre.

Now the instrument is for sale.

Concerned that new owners may not want the piano played at future concerts, the trustees of the almshouses are trying to raise money to buy it.

Musicians who have pledged support include: Graham Scott, the professor of keyboard studies at Chicago University's School of Performing Arts, who has played twice at Kirkleatham; Martin Cousin, one of Britain's leading pianists, famous for his film work as a pianist double; Adam Skoumal, one the Czech Republic's leading pianists; Evgeny Soifertis of Kiev; Daiva Stulgyte of Lithuania and Jill Crossland.

Mami Shikimori, who is recognised as one of Japan's finest young pianists, says in a letter: "Not every venue has such an excellent piano as the one at Kirkleatham.

"It was a treat to perform on that Steinway piano in the lovely venue to a well- attended warm audience.''

Retired printer Peter Sotheran, who launched the campaign to buy the Steinway, said yesterday: "We are really most grateful to all these brilliant musicians for their kind comments on the piano and our concerts.''

The appeal has raised more than £600 in a few weeks. It needs to raise a further £1,200 to bridge the gap between hoped for grants and the £8,000 asking price of the instrument.