A GROUNDBREAKING youth music project celebrated its second birthday this week.

The Newblood initiative in Darlington puts on regular live shows for local bands, aimed at an audience of under 18s.

The project aims to give teenagers something to do on Friday nights, and is run by local youngsters with the help of government funding and the local youth service.

The popular gigs at The Forum Music Centre regularly sell out, and young music fans queue around the block to get in.

For the last year, Darlington Borough Council member Jenny Chapman has chaired the committee in charge of the event, but now the top job has been taken on by Ashleigh Trevarrow, the town's Youth MP.

The 18-year-old first came up with the idea for the monthly events, which are open to 14 to 17-year-olds. So far more than 70 local bands have showcased their talents at the venue. Each event runs from 6.30pm to 9.30pm, begins with an open mic session and features young artists from across the region.

Ms Trevarrow said: It has been really satisfying to see my initial idea take shape and to see so many bands and young people get involved and have fun."

The Newblood events have provided a springboard for a number of hotly-tipped local bands including 2 Many Units, Belladonna and The Hornosexuals.

Coun Chapman added: "Newblood is one of our most successful youth projects ever.

I have had the time of my life working on the events and am delighted to see Ashleigh take up her rightful place as chair.

"The Council is always keen to work with other organisations or businesses to put on activities that appeal to young people and give them the chance to help organise the kind of events they want to take part in.

"Many thanks to Darlington Round Table which has recently come on board with the project and has supported the last season of events. I wish Ashleigh great success and fun in taking over as chair."

For more information about Newblood go to www.myspace.com/newbloodliveuk.