A NEW project that will encourage children to enjoy the arts in all its forms is launched in North Yorkshire next weekend.

Sowerby Music, an extremely active organisation in the Thirsk area, has already done much to attract children to musical events.

Its latest scheme, the Sowerby Ark, aims to bring youngsters in to a regular programme of arts activities which starts on Sunday, October 8, in the afternoon with a drama workshop for seven- to 11-year-olds, run by the educational drama specialist, Mary Bell.

Described as interactive and fun, the idea is to create a dramatic performance from children's responses to The Wrestling Princess story.

A national lottery grant has been spent on upgrading stage facilities in Sowerby parochial hall - stage curtains, backdrops, lighting and a sound system. The money will also underwrite the first season's marketing and programme. Hambleton Arts also gave towards the costs.

"Though initially part of Sowerby Music, the aim is for it to become an independent arts organisation as soon as it has developed it's audience and a sound financial base," said Mr Martin Hooper, press officer for Sowerby Music. It will be run by Judy and Phil Turner, of Storyteller Bookshop in Thirsk. Mrs Turner said the response from children and parents had been very encouraging.

Other autumn events include a stunning audio visual show from the renowned stills photographer, Ben Osborne, on November 10. Called Common Source," it transports the audience along two great and spectacular British rivers, the Severn and the Wye. It comes to Sowerby courtesy of Rural Arts on Tour.

On November 26, the highly acclaimed Riding Lights theatre company presents Melchior's Magical Mystery Quest and on December 10, Pooh lovers of all ages will be spellbound by Richard Medrington's puppets performance of Tiggers Don't Climb Trees.

Full details and tickets are available at Storyteller Bookshop, 3 Court Arcade, Millgate, Thirsk, YO7 1AA, or ring 01845 522006.

l Sowerby Music's next concert in St Oswald's church, Divine Duets, is on Saturday, October 7 (7.30).

Three young talents from the Royal Northern College of Music will sing duets from a wide spectrum, from classical composers through opera and oratorio to recent musicals.

The accompanist is Graham Merriam, a founder member of Sowerby Music, now very much involved with activities at the college. Soprano Sally Johnson and mezzo-soprano, Shelly Coulter-Smith, are postgraduate and graduate students, and viola player, Aimee Johnson, is a fourth-year student.

Tickets are £5 in advance from Hambleton Books or White Rose Books, Thirsk, or £6 on the door.

Sowerby Music's opera trip to the Lowry Centre at Salford is on Saturday, October 21, to see exhibitions and the Opera North production of La rondine conducted by Martin Pickard. Tickets are £35, which includes coach travel, available from Chris Purser on 01845 524528