A PROJECT that gives teenage Durham rock bands the chance to play in public has big plans for the future.

The One Way Caf, based at All Saints' Church, Newton Hall, was founded three years ago to give young musicians an outlet.

Now it is hoping to find the funding for its own building and has plans to expand into drama magazine production.

Organiser Stephen Mordue said: "At One Way Caf, we've given 18 local bands a chance to play since we set up three years ago.

"Many more people play and sing during the acoustic spot on our regular Friday events.

"The ideas for what we do at One Way Caf come from the young people themselves.

"It's their enthusiasm that is leading us into new and exciting areas.

"At the moment we have a team working on a One Way magazine due for launch in September, using their skills in writing, art and photography. We're also recording a CD of acoustic songs by One Way regulars.

"In October we have a drama group and workshop and there are plans for the first One Way art exhibition.

"Our dream is to see the project housed in its own building with a drop-in caf open all day, a recording studio, live music venue, gallery space, artists workshop, writing and drama groups."

Today the project is staging a summer festival, called The Big Thing, at the Abbey Leisure Centre from 4pm to 8pm.

The bands performing include Skin Trench, Mr Pan the Monkey Man, Epocrathy, Lack of John, Scar Dars and Mindslide. Tickets cost £2.50 and are available at the door.