Last updated 19:51, Thursday, 04 September 2008

A £50,000 MUSIC centre for youngsters is planned for Workington.

David Nicholson, of charity Mobex, is spearheading the project to transform the empty building on Stanley Street.

Youth worker Mr Nicholson, 43, wants to convert a storeroom into a sound-proofed music suite where young people can learn to play musical instruments.

The suite, which was given planning permission in April, would include a tea and coffee area, a store room for musical instruments, an office and a rehearsal area.

Mr Nicholson, 43, has been teaching young people about music since 2004.

He said: “The music scene is dwindling here and we need to do something to put West Cumbria back on the map.

“I want to run an introduction to music where young people can learn guitar, drums and vocals.

“Music is an alternative learning tool which takes a different approach to education than mainstream schools.

“It’s a good way to reach young people who maybe don’t have an academic background. It’s a good confidence-booster and young people often discover a hidden talent they didn’t even know they had.

“If we see young people with potential, we can record their work, set them on the right track and see that their ideas can get taken up. It’s the young people who are key.”

So far, Mobex has received £16,926 from the Youth Capital Fund, £300 from the West Cumberland Lions and has been offered £600 by the Prince’s Trust.