A WEST Dorset music charity has recruited a new managing director to help the group "build a sounds future".

Marcus Dixon has joined Lyme Regis-based charity B Sharp. The charity has reached its tenth year in providing training and music-making opportunities to children and young people across west Dorset and east Devon. Following this success, B Sharp has recently been awarded funding from Real Ideas Organisation (RIO) - allowing it to expand and develop its current offering to the local community.

B Sharp’s co-founder Fran Williams is moving into a new role as creative director, which will see her leading and developing future music and performance programs.

Marcus Dixon, a well-known figure in the Lyme Regis community, has helped develop and support many local projects, and is excited to be steering B Sharp in this new phase of development.

He said: ‘‘I’ve been amazed by the dynamism and success of B Sharp since its launch in 2007.

"Over the last decade, the young people’s music charity has grown and developed into a nationally recognised exemplar of peer to peer learning."

He added: "It’s clear we are moving into a rapidly evolving world where creativity is as important as literacy - a place where B Sharp’s ability to engage and inspire young people of all ages and backgrounds becomes increasingly important.

"It’s a great privilege to be joining as the managing director of B Sharp and to have this opportunity to work closely with Fran Williams and the team to build a sound future for us all.’’

Fran Williams, who launched B Sharp in 2007 with young people and volunteers, is very much looking forward to her new role.

She said: “I am delighted that Marcus has joined B Sharp. I am looking forward to working with Marcus and the team in my new capacity as creative director, to take B Sharp to another level.

"B Sharp's activity programme, training and employment offer is vital to sustaining young people and a growing workforce in our rural community. We aim to go on developing the B Sharp model which has been admired and emulated by many other organisations.”

Hannah Lovegrove, chairman of the B Sharp board of trustees, said: “Over the past year the management team at B Sharp has been developing the strategy we need to meet the significant challenge set by the award of funding from RIO.

"Known to many in the area for his tireless work on behalf of the community, Marcus has been instrumental in driving forward fresh ideas in a variety of sectors – in science, the arts, and even gig rowing. His skills and enthusiasm will be immensely helpful to the future development of B Sharp.”