SINCE it formed in 2007 Lyme Regis-based music charity B Sharp has seen thousands of youngsters through its doors.

And organisers say the lives of those thousands have been transformed by the power of playing music.

Now B Sharp is recruiting new members aged eight to 19 to sign up to its weekly music making projects.

The project also welcomes enquiries from prospective trainees, emerging and professional music leaders.

B Sharp CEO Fran Williams said: “Through our unique traineeship and apprenticeship programmes that provide opportunities for young people to work alongside more experienced professionals we are able to grow our own future music leaders.

“Our leadership training and professional development helps ensure that all young people are welcomed and supported to progress musically and socially within our programmes and work with partners to offer that training across the region.”

Current music leader and former trainee Matt Hartnell said: "“Wherever you are, there’s always a pathway to further your ability with B Sharp. This kind of training is a rare thing."

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

A young participant in the weekly Boombox sessions at The Hub, Lyme Regis

Ms Williams said the link between music and improving the mind was well established and through its weekly groups and other regular events hosted by music leaders who are experienced composers, musicians, singer-songwriter and technicians, B Sharp provides continuous training to nurture young talent within the community.

The broad programme of music making includes large-scale community festivals, high profile regional performances and bespoke commissions as well as the weekly term-time music making programmes for musicians and singers from the age of eight, plus a training scheme for young and emerging leaders.

Ms Williams added that playing music has been shown to improve brain function, boost mental health, promote learning and increase memory.

She added: "This has led to a generation of young people being able to build social confidence and skills to transfer into school, future training and employment. Many of those who take part in B Sharp have gone on to become professional musicians, music leaders and to work in other creative industries, inspiring others to follow suit."

For more information visit bsharp.uk.com, email bsharp@bsharp.uk.com or call Fran Williams on 07968 177663.