COLLEGE musicians are appealing for help in adding another string to their bow - or even another bow.

Students at Northallerton College are looking for new instruments to build on their success in reaching the national finals of the Music for Youth Festival in London earlier this year.

Head of music Garry Firth said: "Our funds are strictly limited and new instruments are hugely expensive. A new tuba would cost about £4,000.

"We are looking for all kinds of orchestral or band instruments. If we get some of the basic ones that will enable us to spend what funds we have on the dearer ones we especially need."

He said they were urging people who used to play instruments but no longer wanted them to dust them down. Mr Firth said: "We have managed to achieve high standards by hard work, dedication and borrowing instruments from other schools.

"But when we were competing in London our students realised there were gaps in the range of instruments we have. It's like competing in the Olympics in pumps against athletes wearing proper running shoes."