Musical Youth: Bideford centre receives cash boost

Music is definitely in the air at the Bideford Youth Centre following the news that it has been awarded £3,000 to buy musical equipment.

The funding is part of Torridge District Council's £30,000 Youth Initiative Budget.

Andy Branston, Senior Youth Support Worker, said, 'A real genuinely big thank you to the Council for this grant money. It's made a huge difference to us here at the Youth Centre. We've been able to buy a set of drums, an RFA PA system, amplifiers, a mixing desk, monitors, several electric and acoustic guitars and a bass guitar too. It's a big project for us and we are thrilled to have all this in our new studio.'

Council leader Barry Parsons went along to see for himself what kind of difference the grant had made to the group. He said, 'It's fantastic to see so many young people coming here after school and using the facilities on offer. I met youngster Sam Robinson, who is teaching drums to an even younger Billy Hilton. Everyone here is making the most of the opportunity they have, which is great to see. As a council, we do value our young people and we are trying to give them opportunities and the chance of a really bright future.'