LYME REGIS: A funding request from a popular youth music group has been backed by councillors.

Members of Lyme Regis Town Council's strategy and policy committee unanimously recommended £15,000 should be allocated to B Sharp in order for the group to continue their projects up to 2017.

The money will be used to run B Sharp's Hub Jam sessions every Tuesday and strengthen the group's profile across the south west.

Cllr Lucy Campbell said: "I think the work that B Sharp do is absolutely vital.

"I think they provide a fundamentally important part of what is here for young people in Lyme. I would be very sad to see it diminished in any way or have to struggle."

Mayor Sally Holman and Cllr Terry O'Grady also spoke out in support of the B Sharp project - with the later praising the group's recent concert at Exeter Cathedral.

Cllr Michaela Ellis raised concerns about the viability of the group if they fail to secure funding from Youth Music and also the fact £7 is now charged for a two-hour session because of a funding gap.

B Sharp had an initial funding bid to Youth Music turned down, but have submitted a new application following advice from the music support charity.

"My only concern is that if they don't get this grant, then can they continue forward" said Cllr Ellis.

"I want to support them with this - but I'm just concerned that they are going to have enough money if they can't get this grant from Youth Music."

Responding to the concerns, B Sharp chairman Ayvin Rogers said: "The £7 charge is on a sliding scale - that is the maximum we ask of people.

"Our recent survey found that the vast majority were very happy to pay that, but there's no-one excluded because of that price.

"If we didn't get the money from Youth Music, it would of course be a serious blow to our next few years."

The funding will need to be ratified by the full council before it is awarded.

Speaking to The News after councillors gave their support, Mr Rogers said: "It is really going to help us embed ourselves in the region to deliver music to more young people.

"What is key to Lyme Regis is that the work we do is dependent on us being able to work with so many partners. We don't have all the expertise or resources - so we need to be very strategic and nurture relationships."