A YOUTH music project has celebrated its fourth birthday.

Newblood Live featured its traditional array of local talent on Thursday, the fourth anniversary since it was launched by the then youth MP Ashleigh Trevarrow.

The event runs fortnightly, except during the public examination period and later in the summer holiday, at The Forum music centre, in Borough Road, Darlington, for 14 to 17-year-olds.

It attracts an average attendance of 125 although sometimes can reach up to 280. It also provides a platform for local bands to perform or to see more established bands.

Miss Trevarrow said: "I would liked to have thought it would be still going and be popular but I never imagined it would have the status it has.

"I love it. I means so much to me and it's so personal. My family is involved and everyone here feels like family. It's a community in itself now and I hope it can carry on.

"This is a place people can come to, feel safe because they are mixing with similar people and is an opportunity for young musicians to play and start out."

The project receives about a third of its funding from the council, but has to apply for other sources of money, including the Performing Rights Society, County Durham Foundation, Sports and Arts Council and the Round Table, but receives support from local businesses such as Sherwoods.

To mark the anniversary, Brittons Bakery, in Yarm Road, baked a cake.