A PROJECT providing young musicians in Teesdale with a range of opportunities has won praise from local councillors.

Teesdale district councillors John Hinchcliffe and John Armstrong visited the music project as part of the re-launch of an Education in the Community programme.

Keith Jones, community education officer, who is based at Teesdale Community Resources, said the music project was one of several opportunities open to youngsters at the centre, in Birch Road, Barnard Castle.

He welcomed other visitors, including project co-ordinator Jo Hayes, Jan Bestford of Jigsaw counselling services and a representative from Leap adult education, saying the visit provided an opportunity to see what impact the Durham County Council-run programme was having.

The visitors heard that the music project helps musicians in Teesdale with recording, advice and tuition, and is involved with a youth music scheme for eight to 18-year- olds.

The project received a boost last year when record producer Ian Little, who has worked with stars including Duran Duran, Roxy Music and Cliff Richard, visited Teesdale Community Resources after hearing about it through a mutual friend in the music business.

He spent a weekend advising young musicians on how to get a more professional sound.

Councillor Hinchliffe said it was excellent to have such a facility in Barnard Castle, and he hoped the county council could go on supporting it through the Education in the Community programme.