A TEESSIDE rock band and a Darlington recording studio have teamed up to show the power of the Government's New Deal for Musicians scheme.

Through the New Deal programme, four members of the five piece group, Iridium, were able to gain access to recording studio facilities, video, photographic and computer- based design resources.

The band have now recorded a three-track CD with Circulation Recordings, at Lingfield Point, Darlington, who are the providers of the scheme's open learning programme in County Durham.

Graeme Robinson, managing director of Circulation Recordings, said: "The New Deal for Musicians is available through Job Centres to people who have been unemployed for six months who, if they meet the criteria, can access a gateway programme for up to four months. This is followed by up to 52 weeks of support and advice."

Craig Stayman, guitarist with Iridium, said: "We have managed to establish interest from Lo

ndon labels and we now have the publicity materials and studio recordings which we would not have been able to produce otherwise."

Iridium, who play original material, are a heavy rock/new metal band, who had top billing at last year's Stockton International Festival after the studio was asked to promote two days of music.

Vocalist Marq O'Haire said: "It was very exciting for us. The stage was the biggest we have played on, and it was a really big crowd to play to." The band's debut album is due to be released in June to coincide with a national tour